The kiss, snatch'd hasty from the sidelong maid

The kiss, snatch'd hasty from the sidelong maid

James Thomson was a Scottish poet and playwright who is best known for his work "The Seasons," a series of four poems that celebrate the beauty of nature and the changing seasons. However, Thomson also wrote a number of other poems and plays that explore themes of love, desire, and human relationships.

One of Thomson's lesser-known works is a poem titled "The Castle of Indolence," which was published in 1748. In this poem, Thomson describes a magical castle where the inhabitants are lulled into a state of laziness and apathy by the enchanting surroundings. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the castle and its inhabitants, as well as reflections on the nature of idleness and the dangers of succumbing to sloth.

One of the most striking passages in "The Castle of Indolence" is a description of a stolen kiss between a young man and a maiden. Thomson writes, "The kiss, snatch'd hasty from the sidelong maid." This brief moment of passion is described in a way that conveys both the urgency and the illicit nature of the kiss. The use of the word "snatch'd" suggests that the kiss is taken quickly and impulsively, as if the young man cannot resist the temptation to steal a moment of intimacy with the maiden.

The phrase "sidelong maid" is also significant, as it suggests that the maiden is not facing the young man directly, but is instead looking at him out of the corner of her eye. This adds a sense of secrecy and furtiveness to the scene, as if the kiss is being stolen in a moment of clandestine passion.

Overall, this passage from "The Castle of Indolence" captures the fleeting and forbidden nature of desire, as well as the thrill of indulging in a moment of passion. Thomson's evocative language and vivid imagery bring the scene to life, allowing the reader to experience the intensity of the young man's emotions and the maiden's response.