Song Meaning
This lyric paints a picture of a profound, almost miraculous transformation brought about by love. It opens with a declaration of a "wonder," a love that has suddenly gained "sight" after centuries of darkness. This isn't just a metaphor for understanding; it's a literal regaining of vision, suggesting a profound awakening.
The central tension lies in the contrast between this newfound clarity and the world's previous indifference or ignorance. The lyrics state that love "now no more will weepe / For them that laugh the while," indicating a shift away from past sorrows or a rejection of those who don't share this enlightened state. The infusion of "beames" from "Cinthia" (likely a poetic reference to the moon or a beloved figure) is presented as the direct cause of both sight and wisdom.
The most striking craft element is the personification of Love and Beauty, and the paradoxical nature of this "wonder." Love, typically depicted as blind, is now given sight and transformed into a "dutie / That's neithеr blind nor bold." Furthermore, this Beauty is described as having a "double kind" of might: it grants love its sight while simultaneously "striking folly blind." This dual action highlights the transformative power, suggesting that true insight comes at the cost of superficiality or ignorance.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their elevated, almost divine language and the powerful imagery of a long-blinded entity suddenly perceiving the world with newfound wisdom. The archaic phrasing lends a timeless quality to the declaration of love's ultimate triumph over ignorance and sorrow, making the transformation feel both deeply personal and universally significant.
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