Poetry · Chapter
XXV explained
The protagonist passes through the courtyard, pausing frequently to listen for his lady's morning song or the soft sound of her footsteps.
What happens
The protagonist passes through the courtyard, pausing frequently to listen for his lady's morning song or the soft sound of her footsteps. As he dwells on his passion, he hears a musical laugh from above and looks up to see her bright features smiling through an indoor lattice, full of delight.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Loss
The protagonist's intense passion and longing for his lady, culminating in her joyful appearance.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“And as he to the court-yard pass’d along, Each third step did he pause, and listen’d oft If he could hear his lady’s matin-song, Or the light whisper of her footstep soft;”
As he walked through the courtyard, he stopped every third step to listen for his lady's morning song or the gentle sound of her footsteps.
Describes the protagonist's anxious anticipation and focus on his beloved.
“And as he thus over his passion hung, He heard a laugh full musical aloft; When, looking up, he saw her features bright Smile through an in-door lattice, all delight.”
As he dwelled on his intense feelings, he heard a melodious laugh from above and looked up to see her bright face smiling through an indoor window, full of joy.
The lady's appearance brings delight and relief to the protagonist.