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When panting sighs the bosom fill, And hands by chance…

“When panting sighs the bosom fill, And hands by chance united thrill At once with one delicious pain The pulses and the nerves of twain; When eyes that erst could meet with ease, Do seek, yet, seeking, shyly shun Ecstatic conscious unison, - The sure beginnings, say, be these Prelusive to the…” quote by Arthur Hugh Clough
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“When panting sighs the bosom fill, And hands by chance united thrill At once with one delicious pain The pulses and the nerves of twain; When eyes that erst could meet with ease, Do seek, yet, seeking, shyly shun Ecstatic conscious unison, - The sure beginnings, say, be these Prelusive to the strain of love Which angels sing in heaven above?”

Arthur Hugh Clough

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Intense, shy connections spark both pleasure and pain, hinting at love’s ecstatic yet uncertain beginnings.

In simple terms: Love begins with nervous, thrilling, and painful moments.

Key Takeaway

Embrace the vulnerability of new love.

Themes

love intimacy passion uncertainty ecstasy

Mood

romantic thoughtful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • first dates
  • confessions
  • artistic inspiration
  • relationship counseling

Key Concepts

emotional intensity psychological tension romantic idealism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does vulnerability shape love?
  • What balances passion with stability?
A Different Perspective

Romantic idealism may overlook practical compatibility.

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