by Keats · Cluster: Unrequited Frustrated Love · Unattainable Beloved · Petrarchan Sonnet
Abstract
A refrain-song reproaching a cold, nun-like beloved whose professions of love lack warmth; plea for true passion against a statue-like reserve.
Connections
Topoi: Love as Religion Motifs: Fire Themes & Concepts: Unrequited Frustrated Love, Romantic Love, Lust Sexual Desire Forms & Genres: Comic Verse Song
Testo integrale / Full text
I
You say you love; but with a voice
Chaster than a nun’s, who singeth
The soft vespers to herself
While the chime-bell ringeth -
O love me truly!
II
You say you love; but with a smile
Cold as sunrise in September,
As you were Saint Cupid’s nun,
And kept his weeks of Ember.
O love me truly!
III
You say you love - but then your lips
Coral tinted teach no blisses.
More than coral in the sea -
They never pout for kisses -
O love me truly!
IV
You say you love; but then your hand
No soft squeeze for squeeze returneth,
It is like a statue’s dead -
While mine to passion burneth -
O love me truly!
V
O breathe a word or two of fire!
Smile, as if those words should burn me,
Squeeze as lovers should - O kiss
And in thy heart inurn me!
O love me truly!