To Rosamond Summary

"To Rosamond" is a love poem addressed to a noblewoman. The speaker begins by praising her in elevated, even hyperbolic terms, claiming that she is like a temple to beauty. However, he also describes her playful personality. The speaker reveals that he knows Rosamond from dances they attend together, although it seems the two have never spoken. His unrequited desire hurts him and makes him cry, but he also suggests that just being able to see her and hear her voice makes up for the pain. By the end of the poem he announces that whether or not he can ever win her affection, he will remain enamored of her.