Sir Thomas Wyatt’s voice of wisdom in “Farewell Love and all thy Laws for ever” arguably manifests in his disavowal of love. As the title of the poem implies, Wyatt is severing himself from love. In the poem, Wyatt presents love as something of a painful stratagem. Love, in Wyatt’s estimation, is a trap that comes with painful consequences. Now, Wyatt intends to smarten up and steer clear of love’s “baited hooks” and “brittle darts.” He asserts his mindfulness by removing love’s “authority” over him.

For proper examples of Wyatt’s wisdom, consider the examples that Wyatt offers in the poem. In the third line, Wyatt mentions Senec (Seneca) and Plato. These two philosophers did not think highly of romantic, physical love. Seneca embraced stoicism while Plato believed love should be reserved for wisdom and philosophy, not sexual relationships.

Concerning Wyatt’s personal association with love, a review of his life might provide a hint as to why love fell out of favor with him. Supposedly, Wyatt’s wife had an affair, which led to their separation. There are also rumors that link Wyatt to Anne Boleyn, the second of King Henry VIII’s six wives.