Meaning: The quote "Pale hands I loved beside the Shalimar, where are you now? Who lies beneath your spell?" is a poignant and evocative line from a poem by Adela Nicolson, a British poet and author. The Shalimar Gardens, from which the quote draws its inspiration, are a famous Mughal garden complex located in Lahore, Pakistan. The gardens are renowned for their lush greenery, intricate waterworks, and historical significance, having been commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Adela Nicolson's use of the Shalimar Gardens as a backdrop for her poetic expression adds layers of cultural and historical richness to the quote.

The line "Pale hands I loved beside the Shalimar" suggests a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the speaker reminisces about a past love or connection with someone whose presence once graced the idyllic setting of the Shalimar Gardens. The use of the word "pale" to describe the hands evokes a sense of delicacy and beauty, while the mention of the Shalimar Gardens adds a romantic and exotic backdrop to the sentiment. The imagery of the hands alongside the Shalimar Gardens creates a vivid and evocative scene, drawing the reader into the speaker's emotional landscape.

The follow-up question "Where are you now? Who lies beneath your spell?" adds a layer of mystery and introspection to the quote. The speaker's contemplation about the whereabouts of the person they once loved, as well as the lingering impact of their presence, invites the reader to ponder the enduring power of love and memory. The idea of someone lying beneath a spell suggests that the influence of the person in question continues to hold sway over the speaker, even in their absence. This line captures the universal experience of yearning for lost love and grappling with the enduring effects of past relationships.

Adela Nicolson's poetic style is characterized by its lyrical and emotive qualities, often exploring themes of love, nature, and human experience. Her ability to create imagery that resonates with readers on an emotional level is evident in the evocative language and imagery found in the quote. The use of specific, evocative imagery alongside introspective questioning allows the reader to connect with the speaker's emotions and experiences, making the quote both relatable and thought-provoking.

Overall, this quote from Adela Nicolson's poetry captures the essence of longing, memory, and the enduring impact of love. Through its evocative imagery and introspective questioning, the quote invites readers to contemplate their own experiences of love and loss, while also immersing them in the beauty and allure of the Shalimar Gardens. Adela Nicolson's ability to weave together rich imagery and emotional depth makes this quote a timeless and resonant expression of human emotion.