Addressing a Lady Who Desired I Would Love Her

Now you have granted me leave to love,
How will you act?
Will I your mirth, or emotion move,
Once I begin to woo;
Shall you torment, or mock, or adore me too?

Each petty charm can reject, and I
In spite of your aversion
Without your consent can observe, and die;
Dispense a grander Destiny!
It's simple to demolish, you could fashion.

Therefore give me permission to adore, & adore me too
Without intent
To elevate, as Loves accursed defiers behave
While complaining Bards lament,
Fame to their grace, from their weeping gaze.

Sadness is a puddle and shows not bright
Thy grace's beams;
Joyes are clear streames, your eyes seem
Morose in sadder layes,
Through happy numbers they shine bright with acclaim.

Which shall not mention to portray you fayr
Injuries, blazes, and shafts,
Storms in your countenance, traps in your hair,
Corrupting all your features,
Or else to trick, or torment captive hearts.

I shall make your eyes like sunrise suns look,
Just as gentle, and fair;
Thy forehead as crystal polished, and pure,
And your tousled hayr
May flow like a serene Region of the Atmosphere.

Rich Nature’s treasury (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I will use, to adorn
Thy charms, if your Source of Joy
With equal thankfulness
You but open, so we each other favor.

Delving into the Poem's Ideas

The work examines the interplay of affection and admiration, in which the poet engages with a woman who desires his affection. Rather, he proposes a mutual exchange of literary praise for intimate delights. The phraseology is graceful, combining refined traditions with frank expressions of longing.

In the stanzas, the writer spurns common motifs of unreturned passion, like sadness and weeping, claiming they dim true charm. He chooses happiness and acclaim to showcase the maiden's features, promising to portray her gaze as shining stars and her hair as flowing breeze. The method highlights a realistic yet clever perspective on relationships.

Key Elements of the Composition

  • Shared Arrangement: The poem revolves on a proposal of praise in trade for delight, emphasizing balance between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Standard Themes: The narrator disparages usual artistic techniques like sorrow and similes of anguish, choosing positive depictions.
  • Poetic Skill: The application of mixed meter measures and rhythm demonstrates the writer's expertise in composition, forming a graceful and compelling text.
Rich Nature's treasury (which is the Bard's Riches)
I shall expend, to adorn
Thy graces, if your Wellspring of Joy
In equall gratitude
One but unlock, so we each other bless.

The section summarizes the core arrangement, in which the writer pledges to utilize his inventive abilities to honor the woman, in return for her willingness. The language combines spiritual overtones with physical longings, giving complexity to the poem's message.

Michael Fox
Michael Fox

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on society.