You ask me why I don't love you, but surely you must believe I am very fond of you and if to desire to possess a person wholly, to admire and honour that person deeply, and to seek to secure that person's happiness in every way is to "love" then perhaps my affection for you is a kind of love. I will tell you this that your soul seems to me to be the most beautiful and simple soul in the world and it may be because I am so conscious of this when I look at you that my love or affection for you loses much of its violence.
The speaker expresses a complex sentiment about love, suggesting that their feelings towards the person in question are profound yet different from traditional romantic love. They indicate a strong admiration and a desire to contribute to the other's happiness, which may reflect a deep affection rather than overwhelming passion. This raises the notion that love can manifest in various forms, emphasizing the importance of admiration and care.
The speaker sees the addressee’s soul as exceptionally beautiful and pure, which influences the intensity of their emotions. Instead of a passionate love that is often characterized by fervor, their affection is marked by tranquility and depth. This highlights a more serene and thoughtful kind of love, where the appreciation for the other person’s essence can temper the fervency typically associated with romantic feelings.
