Love

Poem : 1321

Although there be no fault in him, the sweetness of his love
Hath power in me a fretful jealousy to move.

Explanation :
Although my husband is free from defects, the way in which he embraces me is such as to make me feign dislike.

Poem : 1322

My 'anger feigned' gives but a little pain;
And when affection droops, it makes it bloom again.

Explanation :
His love will increase though it may (at first seem to) fade through the short-lived distress caused by (my) dislike.

Poem : 1323

Is there a bliss in any world more utterly divine,
Than 'coyness' gives, when hearts as earth and water join?

Explanation :
Is there a celestial land that can please like the feigned dislike of those whose union resembles that of earth and water?

Poem : 1324

'Within the anger feigned' that close love's tie doth bind,
A weapon lurks, which quite breaks down my mind.

Explanation :
In prolonged dislike after an embrace there is a weapon that can break my heart.

Poem : 1325

Though free from fault, from loved one's tender arms
To be estranged a while hath its own special charms.

Explanation :
Though free from defects, men feel pleased when they cannot embrace the delicate shoulders of those whom they love.

Poem : 1326

'Tis sweeter to digest your food than 'tis to eat;
In love, than union's self is anger feigned more sweet.

Explanation :
To digest what has been eaten is more delightful than to eat more; likewise love is more delightful in dislike than intercourse.

Poem : 1327

In lovers' quarrels, 'tis the one that first gives way,
That in re-union's joy is seen to win the day.

Explanation :
Those are conquerors whose dislike has been defeated and that is proved by the love (which follows).

Poem : 1328

And shall we ever more the sweetness know of that embrace
With dewy brow; to which 'feigned anger' lent its piquant grace.

Explanation :
Will I enjoy once more through her dislike, the pleasure of that love that makes her forehead perspire?

Poem : 1329

Let her, whose jewels brightly shine, aversion feign!
That I may still plead on, O night, prolong thy reign!

Explanation :
May the bright-jewelled one feign dislike, and may the night be prolonged for me to implore her!

Poem : 1330

A 'feigned aversion' coy to pleasure gives a zest;
The pleasure's crowned when breast is clasped to breast.

Explanation :
Dislike adds delight to love; and a hearty embrace (thereafter) will add delight to dislike.