It is not Beauty I demand, A crystal brow, the moon's…
““It is not Beauty I demand, A crystal brow, the moon's despair, Nor the snow's daughter, a white hand, Nor mermaid's yellow pride of hair. Tell me not of your starry eyes, Your lips that seem on roses fed, Your breasts where Cupid trembling lies, Nor sleeps for kissing of his bed. ...Give me, instead of beauty's bust, A tender heart, a loyal mind, Which with temptation I could trust, Yet never linked with error find. One in whose gentle bosom I Could pour my secret heart of woes. Like the care-burdened honey-fly That hides his murmurs in the rose. My earthly comforter! whose love So indefeasible might be, That when my spirit won above Hers could not stay for sympathy.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker rejects superficial beauty, seeking inner virtues like a tender heart and loyal mind, trusting love over physical allure.
In simple terms: Prefer inner love and loyalty over outward beauty.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine affection, not mere appearance.
Themes
love
inner virtue
beauty
trust
desire
Mood
romantic
contemplative
Type
poetic
emotional
When to use this quote
- courtship
- writing love letters
- building trust
- valuing character over looks
- expressing devotion
Key Concepts
authenticity
emotional honesty
spiritual connection
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner qualities matter most in love?
- Can true love exist without physical attraction?
A Different Perspective
Physical beauty may be fleeting and insufficient for lasting love.