The poem is a tribute to the speaker's wife, celebrating her qualities and the divine craftsmanship involved in her creation. It highlights her loyalty, vividness, and truthfulness, with imagery of her eyes as golden and dewy. The speaker admires her steadfastness and integrity, likening her to a perfectly crafted blade. Her attributes include honor, anger, valor, and an unquenchable love, suggesting a strength that remains unaffected by death or evil. The speaker acknowledges her roles as a teacher, tender companion, and true partner in life, emphasizing her completeness and freedom of spirit. The poem conveys deep appreciation and reverence for the wife, attributing her presence to a higher power's gift.
By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1882 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry