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Not the bee upon the blossom, In the pride o' sunny noon; Not the little sporting fairy, All beneath the simmer moon; Not the poet, in the moment Fancy lightens in his e'e, Kens the pleasure, feels the rapture, That thy presence gi'es to me.
Robert Burns
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The speaker expresses that no external joys can compare to the happiness brought by their beloved's presence.

In this quote, Robert Burns emphasizes that the true source of joy and rapture stems not from nature's beauty or poetic inspiration, but from the cherished presence of a loved one. He portrays a deep emotional connection, suggesting that nothing in the world, whether it be the bees at noon or the fairies under the moonlight, can evoke the same level of delight as the love he feels.

Themes

LoveHappinessPresenceEmotionJoy

In practice

Example use cases

A romantic dinner setting where you want to express your feelings to your partner.

More from Robert Burns

Liberty's in every blow! Let us do or die.
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I'm truly sorry man's dominion has broken Nature's social union.
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Love's first snow-drop, virgin kiss.
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All-cheering Plenty, with her flowing horn, Led yellow Autumn, wreath'd with nodding corn.
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Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to min?
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Apropos, is not the Scotch phrase 'Auld Lang Syne' exceedingly expressive? I shall give you the verses on the other sheet. The words of 'Auld Lang Syne' are good, but the music is an old air, the rudiments of the modern tune of that name. ... Dare to be honest and fear no labor. ... Opera is where a man gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings. ... Chords that vibrate sweetest pleasure thrill the deepest notes of woe. ... Critics! Those cut-throat bandits in the paths of fame.
Robert BurnsRead

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