“What though green leaves only witness”
The poem begins by questioning the significance of the only witnesses being the green leaves, suggesting that the couple’s union is intimate and private, yet still meaningful.
“Such pact as is made once only; what matter”
This line emphasizes the solemnity and uniqueness of the marriage vow, suggesting that it is a pact made only once and therefore holds great importance.
“That owl voice sole ‘yes’, while cows utter Low moos of approve; let sun surpliced in brightness”
The sounds of nature, such as the owl’s hoot and the cows’ lowing, are depicted as giving their approval to the union. The sun, described as “surpliced in brightness,” adds a sense of divine blessing to the occasion.
“Stand stock still to laud these mated ones”
The imagery suggests that even the sun stands still in reverence and praise of the couple who are now joined together in marriage.
“Whose stark act all coming double luck joins.”
This line emphasizes the significance of the couple’s union, suggesting that it brings together both good fortune and blessings for the future.
“Couched daylong in cloisters of stinging nettle”
The couple is depicted as lying together amidst stinging nettles, suggesting that their love may be accompanied by discomfort or challenges.
“They lie, cut-grass assaulting each separate sense With savor; coupled so, pure paragons of constance,”
Despite the discomfort, the couple remains steadfast in their commitment to each other, symbolized by their physical closeness and their unwavering fidelity.
“This pair seek single state from that dual battle.”
The couple seeks unity and oneness despite the challenges they face, symbolizing their desire to overcome obstacles together.
“Now speak some sacrament to parry scruple For wedlock wrought within love’s proper chapel.”
The speaker calls for a sacred ritual to dispel any doubts or hesitations about the validity of the marriage, affirming that it is blessed and sanctified by love.
“Call here with flying colors all watchful birds”
The speaker invites the birds, symbolic of nature’s guardians, to witness and celebrate the union.
“To people the twigged aisles; lead babel tongues”
The imagery suggests a lively and joyous celebration, with the birds and animals filling the surroundings with their songs and chatter.
“Of animals to choir: ‘Look what thresh of wings Wields guard of honor over these!’ Starred with words”
The animals are depicted as forming a choir, praising the couple and acknowledging the honor of their union.
“Let night bless that luck-rooted mead of clover Where, bedded like angels, two burn one in fever.”
The night is invoked to bless the couple as they lie together, symbolizing the divine approval of their union.
“From this holy day on, all pollen blown Shall strew broadcast so rare a seed on wind”
The imagery suggests that the couple’s love will spread and multiply, bringing forth new life and growth in abundance.
“That every breath, thus teeming, set the land Sprouting fruit, flowers, children most fair in legion”
Their love is depicted as having the power to bring forth beauty and new life, symbolized by the imagery of fruit, flowers, and children.
“To slay spawn of dragon’s teeth: speaking this promise, Let flesh be knit, and each step hence go famous.”
The poem concludes with a hopeful affirmation of the couple’s future together, suggesting that their love will conquer all obstacles and lead them to greatness.
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