Meaning: The quote "Tell me not of joy: there's none Now my little sparrow's gone; He, just as you, Would toy and woo, He would chirp and flatter me, He would hang the wing awhile, Till at length he saw me smile, Lord! how sullen he would be!" is taken from the poem "The Sparrow" by William Cartwright, an English dramatist who lived from 1611 to 1643. The poem is a lament for the loss of a beloved pet sparrow, and it expresses the speaker's grief and sense of emptiness now that the sparrow is no longer present.

In this poignant verse, the speaker reflects on the absence of joy in their life following the death of their cherished sparrow. The use of the sparrow as a symbol of joy and companionship emphasizes the profound impact that the loss has had on the speaker. The lines "He, just as you, Would toy and woo, He would chirp and flatter me" convey the playful and affectionate nature of the sparrow, highlighting the bond between the bird and the speaker. The sparrow's actions of chirping, flirting, and seeking the speaker's smile depict a sense of warmth and intimacy that is now sorely missed.

The poem captures the universal experience of grief and the deep emotional connection that can exist between humans and their animal companions. The loss of the sparrow is depicted as a significant and painful event, with the speaker mourning the absence of the bird's presence and the joy it brought into their life. The lines "Lord! how sullen he would be!" express the speaker's fond remembrance of the sparrow's behavior, underscoring the impact of its absence on their emotional state.

The use of the sparrow as a symbol in the poem also evokes themes of fragility and transience. The fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of joy are poignantly conveyed through the imagery of the sparrow, emphasizing the delicate and fleeting nature of happiness. The poem serves as a reminder of the inevitable cycles of life and the profound impact of loss on the human experience.

Overall, William Cartwright's "The Sparrow" is a poignant and introspective poem that articulates the profound sense of loss and emptiness that can accompany the departure of a beloved companion. Through the use of vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion, the poem captures the universal experience of grief and the enduring impact of cherished memories. The speaker's poignant reflection on the absence of joy following the sparrow's departure resonates with readers, inviting them to contemplate the nature of loss and the enduring power of love and companionship.