Wilt Thou Be My Dearie
written in 1794
Wilt Thou Be My Dearie - meaning Summary
Declaration of Devoted Love
This short lyric presents a speaker addressing a beloved with earnest pleading and sworn devotion. The speaker offers comfort in sorrow, vows exclusive love, and repeatedly asks the lass to declare her affection. He also anticipates possible refusal, asking not to be turned away and saying he would rather die than live without the hope that she loves him. The language is plain and direct, emphasizing commitment, emotional vulnerability, and the speaker’s willingness to sacrifice for reassurance of reciprocal love.
Read Complete AnalysesWilt thou be my Dearie; When sorrow wrings thy gentle heart, O wilt thou let me chear thee: By the treasure of my soul, That's the love I bear thee! I swear and vow, that only thou Shalt ever be my Dearie Only thou, I swear and vow, Shalt ever be my Dearie. Lassie, say thou lo'es me; Or if thou wilt na be my ain, Say na thou'lt refuse me: If it winna, canna be, Thou for thine may chuse me, Let me, Lassie, quickly die, Trusting that thou lo'es me. Lassie, let me quickly die, Trusting that thou lo'es me.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.