Another Fragment: to Music

by Percy Bysshe Shelley — a poem card from Justes Mots

An identical version of poem 375058, this published 1839 edition presents Shelley's philosophical challenge to conventional wisdom about music and love. Dated 1817, it reflects early Romantic thought on the interplay between artistic and emotional experience. The fragment invites contemplation on self-love and artistic expression.

[Published in “Poetical Works”, 1839, 1st edition.
Dated 1817 (Mrs. Shelley).]

No, Music, thou art not the ‘food of Love.’
Unless Love feeds upon its own sweet self,
Till it becomes all Music murmurs of.…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship