When the lad for longing sighs, Mute and dull of cheer and…
““When the lad for longing sighs, Mute and dull of cheer and pale, If at death's own door he lies, Maiden, you can heal his ail. Lovers' ills are all to buy: The wan look, the hollow tone, The hung head, the sunken eye, You can have them for your own. Buy them, buy them: eve and morn Lovers' ills are all to sell. Then you can lie down forlorn; But the lover will be well.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem depicts love’s pain as a commodity that can be bought and sold, suggesting that suffering can be transferred or healed through sacrifice.
In simple terms: Love pain can be traded or relieved by another.
Key Takeaway
Consider how you help others heal emotional wounds.
Themes
love
pain
sacrifice
healing
transaction
Mood
melancholic
reflective
hopeful
Type
poetic
philosophical
emotional
When to use this quote
- relationships
- counseling
- support groups
- artistic expression
- personal healing
Key Concepts
emotional economy
transfer of suffering
romantic idealism
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you truly relieve another’s sorrow without taking it on yourself?
- What does it mean to “heal” someone’s love‑related wounds?
A Different Perspective
The notion of “buying” love’s may trivialize genuine emotional work.