From The Romantic Poets: Robert Burns, p. 24 (Guardian, Monday 25 January 2010):
In December 1787 Robert Burns met Mrs Agnes McLehose at a tea party in Edinburgh. The two were mutually attracted and shortly after their first meeting they began a passionate, but platonic, affair leading to an exchange of letters. Adopting the traditional Arcadian pseudonyms Sylvander and Clarinda, they wrote to each other in a torrid and highly artificial style, vaguely hinting at something more. Their correspondence is a curious combination of literary decorum and a dangerous crossing of the boundary of social convention.
On 27 December 1791, to mark the end of the affair, Burns sent this song (Ae Fond Kiss) within a letter to McLehose who was on the point of her departure for Jamaica and a planned reconciliation with her husband.
Have you ever thought that the phrase “hinting at something more” is itself merely a hint? I suspect that the fact they had to write letters to keep in touch pretty much meant that there was nothing more to it.
No one else could possibly know for sure what actually happened between Burns and Mrs McLehose. Speculations are plenty but there is only one true story; one that they kept in their hearts and took to their graves.
Perhaps non-consummated love is more intense?
Hard to say, Susan. Perhaps ‘consummation’ can be achieved in different ways.
Consummation, like intercourse may have different meanings, even from one moment to the next.
Context and intent as well as interpretation are all a part of the whole.
The needs and desires of the soul can breathe life into the simplest of words.
The meeting of eyes across the room can leave us ecstatic or in anguish.
For the sake of Burns and Mrs. McLehose, I hope they achieved consummation of love.
Yamabuki
I like what you wrote, Yamabuki. Sometimes the avoidance of that meeting of eyes can have a profound effect as well. Personally, I hate it when people don’t look at me.
snow falling outside
slurping down curry udon
long hair hides her face
And you’re so right, Tammy; consummation can be achieved in so many different ways:)
Beautiful Poem.
Love the imagery.
Steam in the air
Licking her cold lips
I touch her hair
Lightning Strikes
Yamabuki