In fact, it is mere affectation to even ask this; did we ever really hear or see that beloved?

Here, the poet plunges into a tender state of disbelief, questioning whether an encounter with the beloved was ever real. To casually say that one has 'seen' or 'heard' them feels like an empty formality, because their aura completely overwhelms the ordinary senses. Ultimately, it leaves behind the haunting ache of wondering if the beloved was truly touched by reality or just a radiant dream spun by a longing heart.