To a Lady Who Desired I Would Love Her
Now you have granted me permission to love,
What shall you respond?
Am I to your mirth, or ardor arouse,
When I start to court;
Do you trouble, or scorn, or adore me too?
Every minor beauty can scorn, and I
In spite of your dislike
Without your consent can see, and succumb;
Bestow a grander Destiny!
It's simple to destroy, you could form.
Then grant me leave to adore, & adore me too
Not with intent
To raise, as Loves cursed rebels act
As complaining Bards lament,
Acclaim to their charm, from their weeping eyne.
Sadness is a pool and reflects not clear
Thy beauty’s lights;
Delights are clear streames, your vision appear
Sullen in gloomier songs,
Within cheerfull lines they radiate bright with praise.
What will not mention to express you fair
Harms, blazes, and shafts,
Tempests in your brow, snares in your locks,
Bribing all your attributes,
Or else to trick, or torment ensnared affections.
I’ll render your eyes like morning orbs seem,
Just as gentle, and fair;
One's forehead as crystal smooth, and pure,
Whereas your tousled hair
Shall drift like a serene Area of the Air.
Wealthy The natural world's store (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I will expend, to dress
One's charms, if your Wellspring of Delight
With matching gratitude
One but unlock, so we each other bless.
Examining the Work's Themes
This work delves the dynamics of love and acclaim, in which the poet engages with a maiden who desires his affection. Instead, he suggests a mutual arrangement of literary admiration for personal favors. This language is graceful, blending polished norms with frank utterances of longing.
Through the verses, the author dismisses common motifs of unreturned affection, such as sorrow and weeping, stating they cloud true beauty. The speaker chooses happiness and praise to emphasize the lady's qualities, assuring to portray her vision as radiant orbs and her locks as flowing breeze. The technique highlights a realistic yet clever view on connections.
Key Elements of the Piece
- Shared Exchange: The verse focuses on a offer of praise in return for pleasure, highlighting equality between the persons.
- Rejection of Standard Themes: The speaker condemns common artistic techniques like grief and imagery of anguish, preferring optimistic depictions.
- Artistic Craftsmanship: The application of diverse line patterns and cadence showcases the author's expertise in poetry, forming a fluid and captivating read.
Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Bard's Riches)
I’l expend, to adorn
Thy charms, if your Source of Delight
Through equal gratitude
Thou but open, so we each other bless.
The verse captures the central arrangement, as the poet promises to employ his artistic gifts to honor the lady, as compensation for her willingness. The language mixes devout overtones with earthly desires, adding depth to the poem's message.