I dare not ask a kiss; I dare not beg a smile; Lest having…
“I dare not ask a kiss; I dare not beg a smile; Lest having that or this, I might grow proud the while. No, no, the utmost share Of my desire shall be Only to kiss that air, That lately kissed thee.”
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 restrains overt desire, choosing subtle affection over bold advances to avoid pride.
In simple terms: Hold back direct passion to keep humility.
Key Takeaway
Practice restraint in expressing desire.
Themes
humility
desire
self‑control
pride
subtlety
Mood
thoughtful
poetic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- courtship
- personal relationships
- creative writing
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
romanticism
ethical restraint
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it better to be direct?
- How does restraint affect intimacy?
A Different Perspective
Excessive restraint may suppress genuine connection.