The Maids Remonstrance

By Thomas Campbell

Lyric Poem
    Never wedding, ever wooing,     Still a love-lorn heart pursuing,     Read you not the wrong you 're doing     In my cheek's pale hue?     All my life with sorrow strewing,     Wed, or cease to woo.     Rivals banished, bosoms plighted,     Still our days are disunited;     Now the lamp of hope is lighted,     Now half quenched appears,     Damped, and wavering, and benighted,     Midst my sighs and tears.     Charms you call your dearest blessing,     Lips that thrill at your caressing,     Eyes a mutual soul confessing,     Soon you 'll make them grow     Dim, and worthless your possessing,     Not with age, but woe!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem explores the themes of unrequited love, emotional anguish, and the toll of constant longing. The speaker seems to be trapped in an endless cycle of courtship, yearning for a commitment that is never fulfilled. The recurring 'wooing' is met with perpetual sorrow, reflected in the 'pale hue' of the speaker's cheeks, a symbol of physical and emotional exhaustion.

The structure of the poem, divided into three stanzas, reflects the continuous cycle of hope and despair. The tone is melancholic and pleading, with the speaker begging their elusive lover to either commit or end their courtship. The use of imagery and metaphor, particularly the 'lamp of hope' that is sometimes lit, sometimes 'half-quenched', portrays the fluctuating emotions and the instability of their relationship.

The final stanza delivers a powerful warning of the potential consequences of this emotional tug of war. The speaker predicts that the charms, lips, and eyes that the lover currently finds irresistible will lose their allure, not due to aging, but from the woe inflicted by their inconsistent relationship. The poem, thus, serves as a bleak commentary on the damaging effects of unreciprocated love and emotional indecisiveness.

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.