To Miss Isabella Macleod
written in 1787
To Miss Isabella Macleod - meaning Summary
Enduring Admiration for Isabella
The speaker expresses deep, sincere admiration for Isabella, likening her to natural delights—the crimson blossom, summer sun—and treating a song or gift from her as precious. He says her image will soften but endure in memory, lasting until the end. Rejecting trivial poetic or romantic exaggeration, he insists his feeling is no shallow fancy but a soul-deep devotion that brings him bliss. The tone is devotional and resolute, framing Isabella as a lasting, idealized presence rather than a fleeting attraction.
Read Complete AnalysesThe crimson blossom charms the bee, The summer sun the swallow; So dear this tuneful gift to me From lovely Isabella. Her portrait fair upon my mind Revolving Time shall mellow; And Mem'ry's latest effort find The lovely Isabella. No Bard nor Lover's rapture this, In fancies vain and shallow; She is, so come my soul to bliss! The lovely Isabella.
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