Cures and Currency in John Donne’s Letters to Patrons

Alison Bumke

doi:10.1353/sel.2017.0003

Abstract

Critics have discussed how John Donne’s writing responds to alchemy and to patronage, but none has examined how he draws parallels between the two frameworks. Donne sees both as convoluted, frustrating processes that rely on falseness. Comparing his praise to alchemical coins—the quality of which was considered dubious—he attempts to persuade patrons that his flattering epistles are nonetheless “currant” in possessing both social relevance and monetary value. Reading these letters alongside contemporary alchemical tracts, this article traces how Donne’s references to alchemy explore the complex relationships between verse and value in the Jacobean Court.

Highlights

In his verse letters to patrons, Donne refrains from taking the same liberties that he takes with Derby. He portrays his addressees—or, their names—as purifying agents, not deceitful alchemists. He discusses the ways in which Russell purifies his verse in a verse letter (“On New-yeares day”) that invokes alchemy.[36]
Donne is referring to an alchemical process that uses ‘strong agents”—such as the sun or nitric acid—to heat metals, sparking a reaction that releases metals” essence.[37]
“ ye haue the fourthe maner of dystyllacyon with out fyer,” Brunschwig concludes, offering the context for Donne’s reference to using dung instead of fire.[45]. By referring to this method and comparing himself to dung, Donne is contrasting himself with Bedford to stress his own insignificance—in terms of his finances, his social standing, his virtue, and his value as an individual

Summary

Introduction

Donne’s references to alchemy in these verse letters offer fresh insights into the shifting power dynamics and complex attitudes towards patronage that characterized the Jacobean court. With his references to alchemical essences, Donne claims in verse letters that his poetry’s value is intrinsic rather than extrinsic.

Results

Conclusion