The Mask
The Mask - meaning Summary
Passion Over Revealed Truth
A brief dramatic dialogue about appearance and desire. One speaker urges the other to remove a dazzling "mask of burning gold" to reveal whether love or deceit lies beneath. The other replies that the mask itself kindled attraction and that knowing the truth is less important than the shared passion. The poem probes whether emotional intensity can — or should — substitute for knowledge of a beloved’ace and character.
Read Complete Analyses'Put off that mask of burning gold With emerald eyes.' 'O no, my dear, you make so bold To find if hearts be wild and wise, And yet not cold.' 'I would but find what's there to find, Love or deceit.' 'It was the mask engaged your mind, And after set your heart to beat, Not what's behind.' 'But lest you are my enemy, I must enquire.' 'O no, my dear, let all that be; What matter, so there is but fire In you, in me?'
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