Nonsense Sapphics

Song Meaning

This poem opens with a playful, almost boastful, introduction to "nonsense verses" presented in the "antique style of Mistress Sappho." The speaker immediately establishes a connection to classical poets like Sappho and Horace, framing their own work within a grand tradition. It’s a self-aware nod to literary history, suggesting a conscious effort to mimic and perhaps subvert established forms. The tone is light, academic, and a bit cheeky, setting up an expectation of learned wit. The core tension emerges from the juxtaposition of high-brow classical allusions and the mundane reality of the "scurvy Planet." The "Bards" and "classical Lyric Poets" are acknowledged as possessing a certain worldly wisdom, but this is immediately undercut by the colloquial "Know a thing or two." The poem then directly addresses "Brother Horatius Flaccus," a familiar, almost buddy-buddy invocation, asking for validation in a decidedly un-classical manner: "Tip us your paw, Lad." This creates a humorous friction between the elevated subject matter and the casual, modern voice. The most striking craft element is the poem's direct appeal to potential patrons. It shifts from literary self-congratulation to a pragmatic, almost transactional request: "Rich men of England! would ye be immortal? / Patronise Genius, giving Cash and Praise." This pivot is sharp, revealing a cynical undercurrent beneath the classical facade. The poem isn't just about imitating ancient styles; it's about the very real, unpoetic need for financial support to achieve a kind of artistic immortality. The final lines, praising "Gillman Jacobus" for his diverse talents, serve as a specific example of the kind of genius the speaker hopes will be recognized and rewarded. What makes these lyrics resonate is this very blend of the learned and the mercenary. The poem uses the gravitas of classical poetry to frame a surprisingly modern, almost commercial, plea for patronage. It’s effective because it’s unexpected; the speaker’s ability to invoke Sappho and Horace while simultaneously asking for "Cash and Praise" highlights the enduring, and often awkward, relationship between art and commerce. The humor lies in the frankness of this appeal, delivered with a wink and a nod to the literary establishment.