That which her slender waist confined Shall now my joyful temples bind; No monarch but would give his crown His arms might do what this has done.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker contrasts the physical beauty of a woman with royal power, suggesting her allure surpasses a monarch's.
- In plain terms
- A woman's waist is more commanding than a king's crown.
- What can you take from it?
- Personal charm can outweigh worldly power.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is truly powerful?
- How is beauty valued?
Another view
This objectifies the subject by reducing her value to her waist.
More from Edmund Waller
To man, that was in th' evening made, Stars gave the first delight; Admiring, in the gloomy shade, Those little drops of light.
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