This song seems to be about a wise and loving being, perhaps an otherworldly spirit.. In the words she speaks at the beginning, which aren't included here ("What is your substance, whereof are you made/That millions of strange shadows on you tend?/Since everyone, hath every one, one shade/And you but one, can every shadow lend") she seems to be speaking about this being. It's a benevolent spirit, one who has suffered greatly but nevertheless will continue to come to the aid of a loved one, or one who requires assistance. However, s/he can only show the way; you're the one who must make the choice.
This song seems to be about a wise and loving being, perhaps an otherworldly spirit.. In the words she speaks at the beginning, which aren't included here ("What is your substance, whereof are you made/That millions of strange shadows on you tend?/Since everyone, hath every one, one shade/And you but one, can every shadow lend") she seems to be speaking about this being. It's a benevolent spirit, one who has suffered greatly but nevertheless will continue to come to the aid of a loved one, or one who requires assistance. However, s/he can only show the way; you're the one who must make the choice.