An evil spirit, your beauty, haunts me still,
Wherewith, alas, I have been long possess'd […]
The narrator of this poem opens it with this rather aggressive introduction. In this quotation, the narrator suggests that he is in love with a woman and that her beauty—and his love for her—has haunted him for many years. He likens her beauty to an evil spirit, because he has not been able to banish this woman from his mind; the memory of her haunts him and he is obsessed with it and possessed by it. In this way, it is clear that the narrator is desperately in love with this woman, and finds he is haunted by the fact that he cannot have her. Though he does not think the woman is evil, he feels his infatuation with her is, for it has caused him much emotional grief.
The quiet ev'ning yet together brings […]
The narrator of this poem reflects upon the significance of nightfall and subsequent sleep. He suggests that evening is a time of fellowship and celebration. Quiet evenings, in particular, draw people together and encourage them to engage in conversations with one another. In this way, it is clear that the narrator values fellowship and views the evening as an excellent time to gather with his friends and family.
My verse is the true image of my mind,
Ever in motion, still desiring change […]
In this poem, the narrator addresses his readers directly. He uses this poem to justify his writings and explain to his readers why he chooses to write his musings in this form. In this quotation, he explains that his poetry—his “verse”—is a reflection of his mind and thoughts. He explains that his thoughts are ever-changing, which encourages him to draft new poems to reflect this change. In short, the narrator of this poem is explaining to his readers that this poetry is an extension of his thoughts, which are ever-changing. His poetry reflects this change and chronicles his contemplations.
Though heaven and earth prove both to me untrue,
Yet am I still inviolate to you.
The narrator of this poem chronicles all that he has seen in his life—both the good and the bad. He has seen the fall of empires, the re-structuring of countries, and rise of new leaders. Through all of this monumental change, however, the narrator makes a point to mention that his love for an unnamed woman has not faltered. He suggests that all of these major world events pale in comparison to his love for this woman, which has remained true through it all. In this quotation, the narrator suggests that the world has worked against him, given that he has not yet found love with the woman, but that—in spite of his injustice—he will still remain true to her.
