Licence my roving hands, and let them go Before, behind, between, above, below. O, my America, my Newfoundland My kingdom, safest when with one man mann'd, My mine of precious stones, my empery; How am I blest in thus discovering thee ! To enter in these bonds, is to be free ; Then, where my hand is set, my soul shall be.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker invites physical and spiritual union with a lover, framing it as a sacred kingdom.
- In plain terms
- Embrace me fully; this union makes me free and whole.
- What can you take from it?
- True connection brings freedom and completeness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes you feel safe with another?
- How does love feel like freedom?
Another view
Physical presence alone does not guarantee emotional freedom.
More from John Donne
Full nakedness! All joys are due to thee, As souls unbodied, bodies unclothed must be, To taste whole joys.
Permalink to quote #59 I am a little world made cunningly Of elements, and an angelic sprite.
Permalink to quote #61 O my America! my new-found land.
Permalink to quote #58
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