Say dear, will you not have me?

Song Meaning

This is a plea, laced with a touch of wounded pride. The speaker confronts a lover who seems to be withdrawing affection, asking directly, "Say, dear, will you not have me?" It’s a raw question, cutting through any pretense. The immediate follow-up, "Here then that kiss take you gave me," is a sharp, almost defiant gesture. It suggests the speaker is ready to return any lingering sentiment, unwilling to be left holding onto something unwanted. The core tension lies in the speaker's refusal to be indebted or left in a state of unreciprocated feeling. They don't want to "owe it" to someone who might "think to bestow it" elsewhere. This isn't just about a kiss; it's about the perceived devaluation of their affection. The speaker wants a clear exchange, a mutual agreement, not a lingering obligation or a gift that's no longer desired. The most striking aspect is the speaker's pragmatic, almost transactional approach to emotional closure. The final lines, "Or if you will not, so take the thing once given: / Let me kiss you, and so we shall be even," are a masterclass in turning a potential loss into a perceived win. By offering a final kiss, the speaker aims to reset the balance, making the exchange feel complete and, crucially, equal. It’s a way to reclaim agency, framing the parting not as rejection, but as a final, mutual settlement. This lyrical strategy is effective because it grounds complex emotional maneuvering in simple, concrete actions. The speaker’s desire for fairness and their method of achieving it—a final, balancing kiss—feels both vulnerable and incredibly self-possessed. It’s this blend of hurt and calculated control that makes the plea resonate, offering a sharp, clear resolution to a moment of romantic uncertainty.