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Poetry · Chapter
CIII explained
A brief verse advising a fine lady not to fear marrying a clown, as love cannot elevate but can bring down.
What happens
A brief verse advising a fine lady not to fear marrying a clown, as love cannot elevate but can bring down.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Communication
The verse reflects on love's power to level social differences, though only downward.
Key passages
“O lady fine, fear not to lead To Hymen’s shrine a clown: Love cannot level up, indeed, But he can level down.”
Dear lady, do not be afraid to marry a simple man; love cannot raise someone's status, but it can lower yours.
The poem warns that love may degrade rather than elevate.