To my Dear and Loving Husband

 If ever two were one, then surely we. 
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee. 
If ever wife was happy in a man, 
Compare with me, ye women, if you can. 
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold 
Or all the riches that the East doth hold. 
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench, 
Nor ought but love from thee give recompetence. 
Thy love is such I can no way repay.
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray. 
Then while we live, in love let's so persever
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

Form: Heroic Couplet Comments

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August 27, 2026 at 4:00 AM
This poem is beautifully written and full of deep emotion. It's amazing how the words capture love and commitment. Anne Bradstreet's "To my Dear and Loving Husband" is a passionate expression of marital love. The poetess begins by highlighting the unity between herself and her husband, suggesting their bond is unparalleled. She emphasizes her contentment and challenges other women to feel happy. Through metaphorical language, she values her husband's love above material wealth like gold or treasures from the East. The intensity of her affection is described as insatiable, something that even vast rivers cannot satisfy. The poetess acknowledges that she cannot repay her husband's love and instead hopes for divine rewards for him. In the concluding lines, there's a sense of devotion and eternal love, suggesting that their bond transcends even death. The poem is a heartfelt tribute to love's enduring nature and celebrates the profound connection between husband and wife.
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