They have so much regard for the rival that in the gathering, even if they sit down, it is far away from the person sitting next to me.
The poet captures the quiet sting of alienation and jealousy in a crowded gathering. His beloved is so anxious not to upset the rival that avoiding the lover alone isn't enough—she deliberately stays clear of anyone even sitting beside him. It is a sharp, slightly sarcastic, yet deeply hurt observation of how far the beloved will go to appease an enemy while turning a cold shoulder to genuine love.
Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.
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