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Adam's Curse Love Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line)

Quote #1

There have been lovers who thought love should be
So much compounded of high courtesy (24-25)

Love made of "high courtesy" is love filled with quotes and chivalry, says the speaker. It makes love a job, one that requires study and manners. Since the speaker believes that anything beautiful requires labor, love can be no exception.

Quote #2

We sat grown quiet at the name of love (29)

Love is so powerful that even the word makes them suddenly go quiet. This marks a turning point in the poem, as the tone changes from conversational to sorrowful, and the imagery takes a turn towards the pensive—all because of love.

Quote #3

I had a thought for no one's but your ears:
That you were beautiful (35-36)

The speaker is addressing one of the women, and it's the first time we see hint of his feelings towards her. It's a hint of the heartache we see in the final lines of the poem.