Comparing the Philosophies of Give His Mistress and Herrick's Corrina Going A-Maying The 17th century in England produced two different schools of poetic philosophy which included the metaphysical and the cavalier. While the metaphysical poets, composed of artists who followed John Donne's use of the metaphysical conceit, tended to reinforce traditional forms of love and devotion, the cavalier poets, led by Ben Johnson, intellectualized the themes of their poetry. Metaphysical and cavalier poets such as John Donne and Robert Herrick experimented with seduction poetry, the dramatic verses of a male lover attempting to persuade his beloved. Although both poets attempt to entice their mistresses, the methods of persuasion in Donne's "To His Mistress Going to Bed" and Herrick's "Corrina's Going A-Maying" differ based on their different schools of poetic thought. While Donne employs a lustful attitude, derogatory language and metaphysical conceits to harshly command sexual activity; Herrick uses a more intellectual and sensitive argument with its religious undertones, persuasive and playful diction, and personification of nature. The variation between metaphysical and cavalier poetry can be seen through the differences in Donne and Herrick's attitudes toward their mistresses represented by religious structure, diction, imagery, and language. Although "To His Mistress Going to Bed" and "Corrina's Going A-Maying" contain many imperative phrases, their structural differences reflect Donne's sense of superiority despite Herrick's admiration for his mistress. Donne's simple aabb rhyme scheme indicates his feeling that his mistress cannot understand or does not understand...... middle of paper ...... gently scolding Corrina for her inactivity. Although both Donne and Herrick employ imperative structures, sensual imagery, religious language, and allusions to persuade their respective mistresses, Donne's superiority complex degrades his mistress while Herrick's respectful attitude cajoles her. Donne cares very little for his mistress, as evidenced by the absence of her name throughout the poem which sounds like an urgent call. Conversely, Herrick's five stanzas and elaborate metrical structure indicate a planned appeal. Donne's lecherous, physical-only approach contrasts sharply with the intellectual stratagem of Herrick, who compliments and gently chastises him. The variance in the poets' approaches is characteristic of their respective schools of poetic thought and illustrates the differences in the approaches to seduction poems by metaphysical and cavalier writers..