As fair as morn, as fresh as May,
a pretty grace in saying nay,
Smil'st thou sweetheart?
then sing and say, Ta na na no,
But O! that love enchanting eye,
Lo, here my doubtful doom I try,
Tell me my sweet, live I or die?
She smiles, fa la la la,
Ah, she frowns, Ay me, I die.
can you tell me the summary of this poem and theme?
The given poem is a lyrical verse that evokes a sense of love, springtime, and mixed emotions. The theme revolves around the speaker's experience of seeking affirmation and understanding the reactions of their beloved.
The poem describes the person addressed as fair, fresh, and possessing the ability to politely reject requests (saying nay). The speaker asks if the person they are addressing, referred to as "sweetheart," is smiling. If the person smiles, the speaker feels encouraged and responds with the phrase "Ta na na no." Conversely, if the person frowns, the speaker expresses despair, stating, "Ay me, I die." The use of musical interjections like "fa la la la" adds an enchanting rhythm and suggests the fluctuating emotions of the speaker.
The summary of the poem indicates the speaker's dependence on the reactions of their beloved to determine their emotional state, questioning whether they live or perish based on the beloved's response. The poem reflects the theme of love, uncertainty, and the emotional rollercoaster associated with romantic desires.