Tibullus To Sulpicia

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
nulla tuum nobis subducet femina lectum, etc., Lib. iv. Carm. 13.     "Never shall woman's smile have power         "To win me from those gentle charms!"--     Thus swore I, in that happy hour,         When Love first gave thee to my arms.     And still alone thou charm'st my sight--         Still, tho' our city proudly shine     With forms and faces, fair and bright,         I see none fair or bright but thine.     Would thou wert fair for only me,         And couldst no heart but mine allure!--     To all men else unpleasing be,         So shall I feel my prize secure.     Oh, love like mine ne'er wants the zest         Of others' envy, others' praise;     But, in its silence safely blest,         Broods o'er a bliss it ne'er betrays.     Charm of my life! by whose sweet power         All cares are husht, all ills subdued--     My light in even the darkest hour,         My crowd in deepest solitude!     No, not tho' heaven itself sent down         Some maid of more than heavenly charms,     With bliss undreamt thy bard to crown,         Would he for her forsake those arms!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a passionate declaration of love and devotion, illustrating the speaker's unwavering adoration for his beloved. It seems to be a lyrical poem, traditionally associated with expressing personal emotions, given the intimate and personal reflections the speaker provides about his feelings towards his beloved. The consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm throughout the poem provide a pleasant, musical quality which further deepens the emotional resonance of the piece.

The central theme is a profound love that transcends physical beauty and is unaffected by the allure of others. The speaker's love is portrayed as steadfast and all-encompassing, as he declares his beloved to be his only source of light and solace in times of darkness and solitude. This is further emphasized by his statement of not being swayed even by a divine temptress. The use of hyperbole here serves to intensify the depth of his feelings, putting them on a grand scale.

The tone of the poem is intensely passionate, yet there's an underlying sense of calm contentment. It's as if the speaker is not just proclaiming his love, but also cherishing it, basking in its warmth and security. The poem also highlights the theme of exclusivity in love, with the speaker expressing a desire for his beloved to be attractive only to him, further solidifying the idea of a love that is intensely personal and singular in its focus.

The poem is a beautiful exploration of an all-consuming love, its steadfastness, and the sense of secure contentment it brings. The poet uses traditional lyrical form, consistent rhyme and rhythm, passionate tone, and vivid imagery to bring these themes to life, resulting in a poem that is both deeply emotional and aesthetically pleasing.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.