by Coleridge · Cluster: Unrequited Frustrated Love · Unattainable Beloved · Petrarchan Sonnet
Abstract
Slight love-lyric on lovers exchanging hearts and the speaker trembling before the maiden’s father. Romantic love in song form.
Connections
Archetypes: Lover Motifs: Nature Themes & Concepts: Romantic Love, Joy Forms & Genres: Comic Verse Song
Testo integrale / Full text
We pledged our hearts, my love and I, —
I in my arms the maiden clasping;
I could not guess the reason why,
But, oh! I trembled like an aspen.
Her father’s love she bade me gain; 5
I went, but shook like any reed!
I strove to act the man — in vain!
We had exchanged our hearts indeed.
1804.