Song Meaning
The lyrics confront a lovelorn individual, questioning the effectiveness of their visible suffering. The repeated phrase "Prithee, why so pale?" and "Prithee, why so mute?" directly challenges the suitor's chosen method of expressing affection. It suggests that displaying misery and silence is a counterproductive strategy, especially when their more direct approaches like "looking well" or "speaking well" have already failed to sway the object of their desire.
The central tension lies in the futility of the lover's current approach. The narrator argues that if the beloved is not moved by positive attributes or direct communication, then outward signs of distress or passive resignation are unlikely to succeed. The question "Will, when looking well can't move her / Looking ill prevail?" highlights this logical disconnect, implying that the lover is doubling down on a failing tactic.
The most striking element is the shift from gentle questioning to a harsh, almost exasperated conclusion. The narrator moves from probing the lover's state to a definitive statement: "If of herself she will not love / Nothing can make her." This hard truth is then punctuated by a bitter, almost vengeful "The devil take her!" This final outburst reveals the narrator's own frustration and perhaps a cynical resignation to the situation.
These lyrics resonate because they capture the universal experience of watching someone you care about struggle ineffectively for affection. The direct, almost conversational tone, combined with the sharp, logical progression of the argument, makes the advice feel both practical and cutting. The abrupt, fiery ending underscores the emotional toll such unrequited love can take, not just on the lover, but on the observer as well.
View Artist