In this intimate address to her husband, the speaker overflows with gratitude and love. She calls him the crown and blessing of her life and admits that his steady devotion once won over a heart she describes as stubborn and ungrateful. Pushing back against the idea that husbands can’t be lovers, she proudly claims him as both. By calling him Daphnis, she gives their marriage a timeless, pastoral glow, but the feelings are immediate and real — every hope and joy is bound up in him. She even confesses she’d do things for his sake that she’d otherwise criticize in women, but it’s love, not vanity. Then, with self-deprecating charm, she asks him not to judge her passion by her imperfect verse. She’d gladly accept his teasing rebukes, if only he would come home and speak them here. The whole piece reads like a private, tender note, warm with affection and a quiet longing for his return.
To A Husband — Summary
This is to the crown and blessing of my life, The much loved husband of a happy wife; To him whose constant passion found the art To win a stubborn and ungrateful heart, And to the world by tenderest proof discovers They err, who say that husbands can't be lovers. With such return of passion, as is due, Daphnis I love, Daphinis my thoughts pursue; Daphnis, my hopes and joys are bounded all in you. Even I, for Daphnis' and my promise' sake, What I in woman censure, undertake. But this from love, not vanity proceeds; You know who writes, and I who 'tis that reads. Judge not my passion by my want of skill: Many love well, though they express it ill; And I your censure could with pleasure bear, Would you but soon return, and speak it here.