Love and Courtship:
The poem begins by setting a romantic scene with the phrase "Leave a Kiss but in the Cup," suggesting a playful exchange between two lovers. By asking the beloved to leave a kiss in the drinking cup, the speaker conveys a sense of eagerness to receive a token of affection. The act of leaving a kiss in the cup symbolizes a physical and emotional intimacy between the lovers.
Desire and Sensuality:
The line "And I'll not look for wine" emphasizes the speaker's interest in the kiss rather than the drink itself. The cup becomes a vessel of desire, symbolizing the power of love and the longing to be close to the beloved. The kiss is depicted as a tantalizing pleasure that the speaker is willing to savor, even if it means sacrificing the enjoyment of wine.
Transcending Material Pleasures:
Jonson's poem suggests that love and affection can elevate individuals beyond the pursuit of material pleasures. By prioritizing a kiss over wine, the speaker reveals a shift in focus from physical gratification to the emotional and sensual aspects of the relationship. The kiss transcends the material world, becoming a symbolic gesture of love's intensity.
Momentary Nature of Pleasure:
The final lines of the poem acknowledge the transient nature of pleasures:
"*Then I'll taste you, then I'll sip/As I would from any lip.*"
The speaker recognizes that the moment of pleasure derived from the kiss is fleeting, yet he willingly embraces it. This acceptance of the ephemeral nature of love and pleasure adds depth to the poem, highlighting the bittersweet essence of romantic experiences.
In essence, "Leave a Kiss but in the Cup" celebrates the power of love, desire, and intimacy, using the metaphor of a kiss left in a drinking vessel. The poem captures the intensity and transience of romantic pleasures, inviting the reader to revel in the moments of emotional connection and passion.