The Faerie Queene

by Edmund Spenser

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"All For Love"

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They for us fight, they watch and dewly ward,
And their bright Squadrons round about us plant;
And all for love, and nothing for reward:
O! why should hevenly God to men have such regard?

In "The Faerie Queene," Spenser marvels at the divine benevolence bestowed upon humanity. Through the presence of angels, God provides protection and guidance, despite expecting nothing in return. The phrase "all for love, and nothing for reward" highlights the pure, selfless nature of divine intervention. By posing the rhetorical question "why should hevenly God to men have such regard?", Spenser invites readers to reflect on the boundless grace that God extends to humankind. This notion resonates with Dryden's reinterpretation in "All for Love," underscoring the theme of love's supremacy and its ability to transcend earthly desires or rewards. In the context of Sir Guyon's trials, this celestial assistance underscores the theme of Temperance, where divine support helps him withstand temptation. Thus, Spenser's lines capture the theme of unconditional divine love and its profound impact on human endeavor.

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