The Canonization : Quotations
The Canonization is a notable literary work by John Donne. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Canonization.
Quotations
“For God’s sake hold your tongue, and let me love,”
The spaker, a middle-aged lover, is telling his friend not to disturb him. He wants to love his beloved.
“Alas, alas, who’s injured by my love?
What merchant’s ships have my sighs drowned?”
The speaker is explaining that his love has done no harm to anyone or anything. Everything is normal as usual. So, he can love his beloved.
“We’re tapers too, and at our own cost die,
And we in us find the eagle and the dove.”
The lover is comparing themselves to candles. Just like candles burn out slowly, they also burn slowly in love. It means they are giving everything in loving each other. Their love is also like the eagle (powerful/strong) and the dove (peaceful).
“Our legend be, it will be fit for verse;”
The speaker is saying that their love is so pure and deep that they will be remembered through poems.
“And by these hymns, all shall approve
Us canonized for Love.”
The speaker is explaining that everyone should read poems about their love. Everyone should understand that the speaker and his beloved became saints of love. It means that the speaker’s love is holy.