Poem: Tales of the Mermaid Tavern

Introduction
"Tales of the Mermaid Tavern" is a poem written by Alfred Noyes in 1913. The poem takes place in a historical setting, particularly Elizabethan England, and focuses on the lives of a group of literary and historical figures who congregated in the legendary Mermaid Tavern. Despite the historical background, the poem utilizes mythological and magical styles, developing a fantastical realm. The poem is divided into a number of sections, every one informing a various story and offering a peek into the vibrant lives and camaraderie shared by the people populating the pub.

The Mermaid Tavern
The poem's title itself, "Tales of the Mermaid Tavern", refers to a genuine pub in London known to be a preferred meeting place of numerous poets, playwrights, and thinkers of the Elizabethan era. Noyes presents the establishment as a haven where these brilliant minds congregated in friendship − getting away the in some cases terrible truth of their lives. The tavern is portrayed as a location where magical encounters and captivating experiences occur, allowing the patrons to transcend beyond the ordinary world.

Some of the popular historical figures mentioned in the poem include William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, John Donne, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Francis Beaumont. Throughout the poem, Noyes masterfully intertwines their stories with aspects of misconception, producing a spellbinding environment evocative of timeless fairy tales.

First Tale: King Death and the Taverners
The first tale within the poem delves into the shadowy specter of death and how it can be for a short time forgotten within the walls of the Mermaid Tavern. Utilizing the figure of King Death, who challenges the taverners to a toast, Noyes eloquently represents the approval of life's brevity and commemorates the creativity and everlasting nature of the human spirit. The poem asserts that even in the face of unavoidable mortality, the works of the terrific artists and thinkers in the tavern shall survive on permanently.

2nd Tale: Sir Walter Raleigh and the Queen
In the 2nd tale, the focus shifts to the historic drama surrounding Sir Walter Raleigh and Queen Elizabeth I. Despite the recognized love and love that existed between them, Raleigh's enthusiastic nature ultimately resulted in a falling out between the two. Noyes has fun with the idea of fantastical and magical elements to stress the effective feelings and the gravity of their story. The poem accentuates that even Raleigh's grand trips and the treasures he brought can not keep him immune from the wrath of the queen.

Third Tale: A Mirror for Witches
'Tales of the Mermaid Tavern' takes a darker turn with its 3rd tale, which focuses on the theme of witches and their persecution. Noyes explains the fear and dislike that individuals harbored towards those deemed witches, typically subjecting them to dreadful violence. The tale acts as a mournful tip of this tragic chapter in history and acts as a commentary on the darker aspects of human nature.

Conclusion
Alfred Noyes' "Tales of the Mermaid Tavern" is a beautiful intermingling of historical occasions and captivating, mythical adventures involving a few of the most vibrant and prominent figures of Elizabethan England. Through the vivid representations of these people, the fascinating stories they share, and the vibrant environment of the Mermaid Tavern, Noyes demonstrates the transcendent power of art, friendship, and human creativity in defying the inexorable force of mortality. The poem is an ageless homage to imagination and its capability to illuminate the human condition and withstand through the ages.