Summary

The poem observes a bride on her wedding day, capturing a moment filled with contrasting emotions. It portrays her with a deep blush, suggesting a mix of happiness and maidenly shame, as she stands surrounded by love and joy. The poem reflects on the burning intensity of this day that lights up her eyes with a unique beauty, captivating the observer with her loveliness. The observer is deeply affected, leading to an enduring desire or deeper feeling in his heart, stirred by the bride's presence and the day's significance. This brief portrayal captures the universal themes of love, beauty, and the complex emotions surrounding life-changing moments.

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When a burning blush came o’er thee,
Though happiness around thee lay,
The world all love before thee:

And in thine eye a kindling light
(Whatever it might be)
Was all on Earth my aching sight
Of Loveliness could see.

That blush, perhaps, was maiden shame—
As such it well may pass—
Though its glow hath raised a fiercer flame
In the breast of him, alas!

Who saw thee on that bridal day,
When that deep blush would come o’er thee,
Though happiness around thee lay,
The world all love before thee.