Skip to content

Oft have I heard both youths and virgins say, Birds chuse…

“Oft have I heard both youths and virgins say, Birds chuse their mates and couple too this day: But by their flight I never can devine When I shall couple with my valentine.” quote by Robert Herrick
Download Open image
“Oft have I heard both youths and virgins say, Birds chuse their mates and couple too this day: But by their flight I never can devine When I shall couple with my valentine.”

Robert Herrick

About This Quote

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

Compares love’s uncertainty to birds’ mating, expressing longing for a future union.

In simple terms: Love is uncertain like birds choosing mates, longing for a partner.

Key Takeaway

Seek patience and hope in love’s timing.

Themes

love longing uncertainty nature

Mood

melancholic hopeful

Type

poetic reflective

When to use this quote

  • courtship
  • first dates
  • unrequited love
  • marriage planning

Key Concepts

poetry romanticism metaphor

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you handle love’s uncertainty?
  • What patience teaches you about desire?
A Different Perspective

Birds may not reflect human relationships.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Robert Herrick

Explore all 140 Robert Herrick quotes

More Bird quotes

Browse all 4,802 Bird quotes