Addressing a Lady That Desired I Would Love Her

Since you've bestowed me leave to love,
How will you respond?
Shall I your mirth, or ardor arouse,
When I begin to court;
Do you distress, or disdain, or cherish me too?

Every minor charm can scorn, and I
In spite of your aversion
Lacking your leave can observe, and succumb;
Bestow a nobler Fate!
It is effortless to demolish, you can create.

Thus allow me permission to love, & love me too
Lacking design
To uplift, as Love's accursed insurgents do
While puling Poets moan,
Renown to their beauty, from their tearful eyne.

Sorrow is a puddle and reflects not clear
One's grace's beams;
Joys are clear streames, your vision seem
Morose in more sorrowful songs,
In cheerfull numbers they shine luminous with praise.

What shall not allude to express you fayr
Wounds, fires, and shafts,
Gales in your countenance, traps in your hayr,
Corrupting all your attributes,
Or to betray, or torment ensnared souls.

I shall make your vision like sunrise stars seem,
As soft, and fayr;
Your forehead as Crystall polished, and pure,
And your unkempt hair
Shall stream like a serene Zone of the Ayr.

Rich Nature's treasury (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I shall expend, to dress
One's beauties, if your Mine of Delight
In matching thankfulness
Thou but open, so we mutually grace.

Examining the Work's Themes

The work explores the relationship of affection and acclaim, where the speaker addresses a lady who requests his love. Instead, he proposes a reciprocal agreement of artistic tribute for intimate delights. The phraseology is elegant, combining courtly conventions with direct expressions of desire.

Through the verses, the writer spurns common tropes of unrequited affection, including sadness and weeping, claiming they dim true grace. He favors joy and praise to emphasize the woman's qualities, assuring to portray her vision as shining orbs and her locks as flowing air. This approach underscores a realistic yet clever outlook on connections.

Key Components of the Work

  • Mutual Exchange: The work focuses on a proposal of praise in return for delight, emphasizing equality between the individuals.
  • Rejection of Conventional Ideas: The poet disparages typical artistic tools like sorrow and imagery of suffering, preferring optimistic depictions.
  • Artistic Craftsmanship: The employment of varied line patterns and rhythm displays the writer's mastery in verse, creating a fluid and engaging text.
Rich Nature’s store (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I’l use, to embellish
Thy graces, if your Wellspring of Delight
In equal thankfulness
You but unlock, so we mutually favor.

This verse summarizes the core deal, in which the poet pledges to use his inventive talents to celebrate the woman, in exchange for her willingness. The wording combines pious hints with physical longings, adding profundity to the verse's theme.

Taylor Foster
Taylor Foster

A Canadian food enthusiast and blogger passionate about sharing local delicacies and recipes.