[Grammar] Use of "THAT" Clause in Poe's "Annabel Lee"

[ralaan]

"I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea,
But we loved with a love that was more than love—
I and my Annabel Lee—
With a love THAT the wingèd seraphs of Heaven
Coveted her and me."


I would've written it, "with so much love that -" or "with such a love that -"


Of course this was written some time in 1800s, so the grammar then must have been quite different.


So what did Poe mean by writing the above stanza. It's confusing as hell. HELP!!


Many thanks in advance everyone.

 

[5jj]

Welcome to the forum, ralaan. :hi:

The angels in heaven envied(us) the great love between the two of us.

 

[Rover_KE]

Your alternatives don't fit the metre of the poem, ralaan.

 

[ralaan]

Thanks. I thought as much.
Just to be clear, this use of "that-" clause does not follow the grammar of modern English, correct?

 

[Gillnetter]

Thanks. I thought as much.
Just to be clear, this use of "that-" clause does not follow the grammar of modern English, correct?

I don't believe that it as ancient as you think. Consider, "He offered deals that even the poorest could afford" and "The star was so bright that even the pathway was clear ahead of us".