When a daffadill I see, Hanging down his head towards me, Guess I may, what I must be: First, I shall decline my head; Secondly, I shall be dead: Lastly, safely buryed.
Robert HerrickRead
I dare not ask a kiss;_x000D_ _x000D_ I dare not beg a smile;_x000D_ _x000D_ Lest having that or this,_x000D_ _x000D_ I might grow proud the while._x000D_ _x000D_ No, no, the utmost share_x000D_ _x000D_ Of my desire shall be_x000D_ _x000D_ Only to kiss that air,_x000D_ _x000D_ That lately kissed thee.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a humble longing for affection without the presumption of entitlement.
In this quote, the speaker conveys a deep yearning for a kiss and smile from a beloved, yet acknowledges a sense of pride and humility that comes with such desires. They are willing to settle for the mere air that their lover has breathed, illustrating a romantic ideal where love is cherished without a demand for possession or expectation.
Themes
LoveAffectionHumilityDesireRomance
In practice
Example use cases
In a romantic letter to express feelings of love.
More from Robert Herrick
All quotes βLord, 'tis Thy plenty-dropping hand_x000D_ _x000D_ That soils my land, _x000D_ _x000D_ And giv'st me for my bushel sowne_x000D_ _x000D_ Twice ten for one. _x000D_ _x000D_ All this, and better, Thou dost send_x000D_ _x000D_ Me, to this end, _x000D_ _x000D_ That I should render, for my part, _x000D_ _x000D_ A thankful heart.
Robert HerrickRead
Tears are the noble language of the eye.
Robert HerrickRead
The May-pole is up,_x000D_ _x000D_ Now give me the cup;_x000D_ _x000D_ I'll drink to the garlands around it;_x000D_ _x000D_ But first unto those_x000D_ _x000D_ Whose hands did compose_x000D_ _x000D_ The glory of flowers that crown'd it.
Robert HerrickRead
Drink wine, and live here blitheful while ye may;_x000D_ _x000D_ The morrow's life too late is; live to-day.
Robert HerrickRead
You say to me-wards your affection's strong;_x000D_ _x000D_ Pray love me little, so you love me long.
Robert HerrickRead
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