To My Dear and Loving Husband
Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672)
If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov’d by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor aught but love from thee give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay;
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let’s so persever,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.
I absolutely love this painting! The colors and the expression are so very sweet! The tree behind them is either a lemon or pear tree, I think. Lemons symbolize longevity, purity, love, and friendship, while pears symbolize strength and fortitude as well as enlightenment. It’s very interesting how both contribute to the meaning of the painting…
Thanks for sharing your knowledge of botanical symbolism. These things really add to the understanding and enjoyment of a painting.