Wert Thou but Ill That I Might Show Thee
poem 961
Wert Thou but Ill That I Might Show Thee - meaning Summary
Long Patience for Love
The speaker imagines hypothetical roles—illness to draw attention, stranger, accused, tenant—willingly accepting humiliation, anonymity and lowly service to remain near the beloved. These scenarios dramatize a single point: the speaker prefers sustained devotion and presence to any reciprocity or social standing. Love itself is framed as the essential good, already proven as life’s first sweetness and reason for endurance even without acknowledgement.
Read Complete AnalysesWert Thou but ill that I might show thee How long a Day I could endure Though thine attention stop not on me Nor the least signal, Me assure Wert Thou but Stranger in ungracious country And Mine the Door Thou paused at, for a passing bounty No More Accused wert Thou and Myself Tribunal Convicted Sentenced Ermine not to Me Half the Condition, thy Reverse to follow Just to partake the infamy The Tenant of the Narrow Cottage, wert Thou Permit to be The Housewife in thy low attendance Contenteth Me No Service hast Thou, I would not achieve it To die or live The first Sweet, proved I, ere I saw thee For Life be Love
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