Addressing a Lady That Desired I Would Love Her

Now you have freely given me consent to love,
How will you do?
Am I to your joy, or emotion stir,
Once I begin to court;
Shall you trouble, or mock, or cherish me too?

Each petty grace can reject, and I
In spite of your hate
Lacking your leave can see, and perish;
Dispense a loftier Lot!
It's simple to destroy, you may create.

Then grant me leave to adore, & adore me too
Not with purpose
To uplift, as Affection's accursed rebels do
As puling Bards whine,
Fame to their beauty, from their tearful eyne.

Grief is a puddle and shows not bright
Thy beauty’s lights;
Joyes are pure streames, your vision seem
Gloomy in gloomier layes,
Within happy verses they radiate brilliant with prayse.

What shall not refer to portray you fair
Wounds, blazes, and shafts,
Tempests in your forehead, traps in your hayr,
Bribing all your parts,
Either to deceive, or afflict ensnared souls.

I will render your vision like sunrise stars seem,
Like mild, and lovely;
Thy forehead as glass even, and pure,
And your unkempt hair
Shall stream like a tranquil Region of the Air.

Rich Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I will use, to embellish
One's beauties, if your Wellspring of Joy
With equal thankfulness
You but open, so we mutually bless.

Examining the Work's Themes

This composition examines the relationship of affection and acclaim, where the speaker engages with a woman who requests his affection. Conversely, he proposes a mutual agreement of literary tribute for intimate delights. This wording is elegant, blending courtly conventions with candid expressions of desire.

In the verses, the poet spurns typical themes of unreturned passion, like sadness and weeping, arguing they cloud true beauty. The speaker prefers delight and acclaim to highlight the lady's attributes, promising to render her vision as radiant orbs and her tresses as drifting air. The approach emphasizes a practical yet clever view on relationships.

Important Components of the Work

  • Reciprocal Arrangement: The verse revolves on a suggestion of admiration in trade for pleasure, highlighting parity between the persons.
  • Dismissal of Standard Themes: The poet disparages usual poetic tools like sadness and metaphors of anguish, preferring optimistic imagery.
  • Creative Craftsmanship: The application of mixed verse lengths and cadence demonstrates the author's expertise in composition, forming a smooth and captivating read.
Abundant Nature’s store (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I will use, to embellish
Your graces, if your Source of Joy
Through matching gratitude
One but unlock, so we each other bless.

The verse captures the essential deal, as the poet vows to use his inventive abilities to honor the lady, in return for her openness. The language mixes spiritual undertones with physical longings, adding profundity to the work's message.

Traci Sweeney
Traci Sweeney

A passionate writer and tech enthusiast with a background in digital media, dedicated to sharing valuable insights and trends.