The title is taken from a line in the fourth poem, Echo, a stanza of which is reprised at the end of the song cycle. It also refers to the title of the third song, Bitter for sweet.

In both her secular and religious poetry, Rossetti exploits pictorial and natural imagery and her outpourings to an unnamed lover suggest a subtle ambiguity.

While overtly melancholic and nostalgic, the songs have their moments of joy and exuberance, with the piano accompaniment and flute obbligato acting as true equals to the voice. 

1. Song
2. An end
3. Bitter for sweet
4. Echo
5. Lady Montrevor
6. Song