Of the Mighty Power of Love

Of the Mighty Power of Love, Edward De Vere

edited by Dawn A. Bernal

Edward De Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford lived from 1550-1604. He was educated at Cambridge and at St John's College. Some considered him to be one of the best courtier poets in the early years of Elizabeth's reign. As a result of his terrible temper, he was constantly showering the Queen with gifts and apologizing to her. At one point, in July of 1574, he fled the court and had to be returned by order of Elizabeth. Of his many great accomplishments, he held the office of Lord Chamberlain, and was special commissioner for the trial of Mary Queen of Scots.

"Of the Mighty Power of Love" is one of seven of his poems that first appeared in The Paradise of Dainty Devises in 1567. Twenty-three lyrical pieces have been attributed to De Vere. Most of his works, including "Of the mighty power of love" were signed E.O. or E of O.


   My meaning is to work what wonders love hath wrought,
   Wherewith I muse why men of wit have love so dearly bought;
   For love is worse than hate and eke more harm hath done.
   Record I take of those that read of Paris, Priam's son.
 
   It seemed the god of sleep had mazed so much his wits,          5
   When he refused wit for love, which cometh but by fits;
   But why accuse I him whom yearth hath covered long?
   There be of his posterity alive; I do him wrong.

   Whom I might well condemn, to be a cruel judge
   Unto myself, who hath the crime in others that I grudge.         10

1. wonders] 1567 reading is "wondes."
3. eke] also, moreover.
4. Paris] the favorite son of Priam in Greek mythology. He caused the Trojan War by stealing Menelaus' wife, Helen of Troy.
5. god of sleep] Hypnos, who lived in the underworld and helped Hera aid the Greeks in the Trojan War in return for Pasithea, one of the Graces. mazed] bewildered, perplexed, confused.
6. When he...by fits] Paris was chosen to select the most beautiful goddess between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. He chose Aphrodite and in return was rewarded with Helen of Troy.
7. yearth] earth (perhaps "th'earth").
9. Whom] refers to "posterity" in the preceding line.

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