Sir Walter Raleigh and Amy Winehouse: dolled up for a night out in Camden
Students at Cambridge University, as well as being groomed to rule over the rest of us, have been asked this week to compare the lyrical poetry of Sir Walter Raleigh with the lyrics of the popular Amy Winehouse song Love Is a Losing Game.
This is obviously a sign of slipping standards, the dumbing down of Britain, and the ubiquity of tabloid favourite Sir Walter, but it might also be worth a little consideration.
After the click, we reprint some of the lyrics beneath which you will be expected to submit your own critical opinions. Marks will be awarded for clarity of prose and proficiency in grammar.
Walter Raleigh: As You Came from the Holy Land
How shall I know your true love, That have met many one, As I went to the holy land, That have come, that have gone ?
She is neither white nor brown, But as the heavens fair ; There is none hath a form so divine In the earth or the air.
Such a one did I meet, good sir, Such an angel-like face, Who like a queen, like a nymph, did appear, By her gait, by her grace.
Amy Winehouse: Love Is a Losing Game
For you I was a flame Love is a losing game Fire storey fire as you came Love is a losing game
Why do I wish I never played Oh what a mess we made And now the final frame Love is a losing game
Played out by the band Love is a losing hand More than I could stand Love is a losing hand
