The Pastime of Pleasure: An Allegorical Poem

by Stephen Hawes

"The Pastime of Pleasure: An Allegorical Poem" by Stephen Hawes is an allegorical poem written in the 16th century. The work explores themes of love, knowledge, and virtue, set against a richly crafted medieval backdrop. It follows the protagonist, Graunde Amoure, as he embarks on a journey through various symbolic towers representing the sciences and virtues, ultimately in pursuit of La Bell Pucell, the embodiment of ideal beauty and virtue. At the start of the poem, Graunde Amoure finds himself in a meadow where he encounters the personification of Fame, who informs him of the beautiful lady La Bell Pucell residing in a perilous tower. In his quest to attain La Bell Pucell, he must tread either the challenging path of contemplation or the easier way of worldly ambition, which leads him to seek knowledge and adventure. As Graunde Amoure journeyed through towers representing different sciences, he is guided by allegorical figures such as Grace and Governance, emphasizing the poem’s exploration of the importance of learning and moral structure in achieving true love and fulfillment.