--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I dare not ask a kiss; I dare not beg a…" description: "\"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 O..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ef/robert-herrick-3088_air_i-dare-not-ask-a-kiss-i-dare-not-beg-a-s_354438.png" --- # 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.” quote by Robert Herrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ef/robert-herrick-3088_air_i-dare-not-ask-a-kiss-i-dare-not-beg-a-s_354438.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ef/robert-herrick-3088_air_i-dare-not-ask-a-kiss-i-dare-not-beg-a-s_354438.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ef/robert-herrick-3088_air_i-dare-not-ask-a-kiss-i-dare-not-beg-a-s_354438.png) > “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.” [Robert Herrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Air](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/air/) [Asks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/asks/) [Beg Smile](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beg-smile-2319053/) [Dare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dare/) [Dare Beg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dare-beg-3267116/) [Desire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desire/) [Grows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grows/) [Kiss Dare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kiss-dare-3267117/) [Kissing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kissing/) [Might](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/might/) [Proud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/proud/) [Shall Kiss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shall-kiss-1063661/) [Share](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/share/) [Smile Lest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smile-lest-3267115/) [Thee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thee/) ## Related quotes > [See the scars? kiss them if you dare.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patience/see-the-scars-kiss-them-if-you-dare/) [Patience](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patience/) > [“Give me,” she said. “Don’t you mean please give me?” “You want me to beg?” That smile spread slightly. “Nah. 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