The poem opens in medias res (in the middle of action), with the speaker reacting to the news, presumably announced by his mistress, that their love affair is over. His response is structured as anaphora (repetition of the same word in several consecutive phrases or clauses): “Since” now he knows her decision (Line 2), “Since” all his love cannot help him (Line 3), “Since” the very purpose of his life is lost (Line 4), and “Since” the breakup appears inevitable (Line 5), he accepts it calmly, neither distraught nor angry, but with “pride and thankfulness” (Line 7). He gives up his hope for a lasting relationship but wishes to preserve the memory of it (Lines 8-9). He asks her for one more favor: a final ride together (Line 11).

His mistress stares at him for a couple of breaths; her pride makes her hesitate and weakens her pity (Lines 12-15). Her answer is a matter of life or death for the speaker; when she agrees, he acknowledges it with the joyful “right!” (Line 16). The speaker feels relief when she grants his final request (Lines 17-18), and they will share another experience, which will make him feel like a god (Lines 19-21).