The Example of Vertu / The Example of Virtue

Name: The Example of Vertu / The Example of Virtue
Author: Stephen Hawes

By Stephen Hawes

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Mythology, Legends & Folklore Poetry

About This Book

A dream-vision recounts a young man's moral education under personified guides who instruct him in prudence and wisdom. He undertakes a hazardous sea passage on the vessel of Vayne Glory and lands on an island governed by Nature, Fortune, Hardiness and Sapience, where each lady's domain and counsel are exhibited. After a judgment by Justice and a charge to seek marriage with Cleanness, he resists Lechery and Pride, crosses the narrow bridge of Vanity and defeats a three-headed dragon. The poem concludes with a nuptial celebration, an angelic showing of hell's divisions and the portrayal of virtue's inheritance and ascent to heaven.

About the Author

Stephen Hawes

Stephen Hawes was a 15th-century English poet known for his allegorical works that reflect the moral and social concerns of his time. His notable poem, "The Pastime of Pleasure," explores themes of love and virtue through a rich tapestry of allegory and moral instruction. Hawes also contributed to the literary landscape with works such as "A Joyful Meditation of the Coronation of King Henry the Eighth" and "The Conversion of Swearers," which showcase his engagement with contemporary events and societal issues. His poetry is characterized by its intricate language and a blend of entertainment and didacticism, making him a significant figure in early English literature.