When He, Who Adores Thee

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    When he, who adores thee, has left but the name         Of his fault and his sorrows behind,     Oh! say wilt thou weep, when they darken the fame         Of a life that for thee was resigned?     Yes, weep, and however my foes may condemn,         Thy tears shall efface their decree;     For Heaven can witness, tho' guilty to them,         I have been but too faithful to thee.     With thee were the dreams of my earliest love;         Every thought of my reason was thine;     In my last humble prayer to the Spirit above,         Thy name shall be mingled with mine.     Oh! blest are the lovers and friend who shall live         The days of thy glory to see;     But the next dearest blessing that Heaven can give         Is the pride of thus dying for thee.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an intense exploration of a deeply passionate, yet seemingly tragic love. The speaker in the poem expresses a profound devotion to the unnamed object of his affection, even in the face of condemnation and sorrow. The themes of sacrifice, adoration, and the transformative power of love are woven throughout the poem, illuminating the speaker's willingness to forego his own reputation for the sake of his beloved.

The tone of the poem is one of melancholic reverence, underscored by a sense of resignation. The structure of the poem, with its regular rhyme scheme and rhythm, creates a solemn, almost hymnal quality that enhances the weightiness of the speaker's emotions. The poet's use of language is particularly noteworthy, with phrases such as "the pride of thus dying for thee," which conveys the speaker's readiness to endure any adversity, even death, for the sake of his love. This level of devotion elevates their love to a divine plane, further emphasized by the speaker's invocation of "the Spirit above." Ultimately, the poem offers a poignant portrayal of unwavering love enduring in the face of adversity.

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.