Addressing a Lady That Wished Me to Love Her
Since you've freely given me permission to love,
What shall you do?
Am I to your mirth, or emotion move,
When I start to court;
Do you trouble, or scorn, or adore me too?
All trivial charm can scorn, and I
In spite of your aversion
Lacking your consent can perceive, and perish;
Bestow a grander Destiny!
It is effortless to ruin, you can form.
Thus give me permission to cherish, & love me too
Lacking intent
To elevate, as Love's accursed defiers behave
As whining Poets moan,
Acclaim to their charm, from their blubber’d eyes.
Sorrow is a puddle and mirrors not bright
Thy charm's lights;
Joys are untainted currents, your eyes appear
Morose in sadder verses,
Within cheerfull verses they radiate bright with praise.
Which will not allude to express you fair
Wounds, fires, and darts,
Tempests in your brow, snares in your locks,
Corrupting all your attributes,
Either to trick, or torture trapped souls.
I’ll cause your gaze like morning suns look,
As soft, and lovely;
One's forehead as crystal even, and clear,
While your dishevelled hair
Shall flow like a serene Area of the Atmosphere.
Abundant Nature's store (which is the Poet’s Riches)
I will spend, to adorn
One's charms, if your Mine of Delight
Through equall thankfulness
You but open, so we one another bless.
Examining the Poem's Themes
This composition explores the relationship of affection and praise, where the speaker engages with a lady who seeks his affection. Conversely, he suggests a mutual exchange of artistic tribute for intimate pleasures. This language is graceful, mixing polished traditions with direct expressions of desire.
In the verses, the poet dismisses common tropes of unreturned affection, like grief and weeping, claiming they cloud true charm. He prefers delight and admiration to emphasize the woman's attributes, vowing to render her vision as radiant orbs and her hair as drifting atmosphere. This method emphasizes a realistic yet artful view on bonds.
Important Elements of the Piece
- Shared Arrangement: The verse centers on a proposal of praise in trade for pleasure, emphasizing balance between the persons.
- Dismissal of Conventional Themes: The speaker criticizes usual artistic techniques like grief and metaphors of pain, favoring upbeat descriptions.
- Artistic Skill: The employment of mixed meter lengths and cadence demonstrates the author's expertise in verse, creating a smooth and captivating text.
Wealthy Nature's store (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I shall spend, to dress
One's beauties, if your Wellspring of Delight
Through equall thankfulness
You but open, so we mutually favor.
This verse summarizes the central arrangement, where the poet vows to use his creative talents to praise the lady, in exchange for her openness. The language combines pious overtones with earthly yearnings, adding depth to the poem's message.