I fill this cup to one made up Of loveliness alone, A woman, of her gentle sex The seeming paragon; To whom the better elements And kindly stars have given A form so fair, that, like the air, 'T is less of earth than heaven.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The poet describes a woman as almost ethereal, more like air than earth, praised by stars and the best elements.
- In plain terms
- He likens a woman’s beauty to a heavenly, almost intangible presence.
- What can you take from it?
- Beauty is portrayed as transcendent and almost otherworldly.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does comparing a person to nature diminish their individuality?
- How does idealization affect relationships?
Another view
Idealizing women in such a way can overlook their humanity and agency.
More from Edward Coote Pinkney
A Health, reported in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919).
Permalink to quote #2 Her every tone is music's own, Like those of morning birds, And something more than melody Dwells ever in her words.
Permalink to quote #3 Look out upon the stars, my love, And shame them with thine eyes.
Permalink to quote #4
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