For a Lady That Wished Me to Show Affection
Since you've bestowed me leave to love,
What shall you respond?
Am I to your joy, or emotion move,
Once I begin to pursue;
Will you torment, or scorn, or cherish me too?
Each petty charm can disdain, and I
In spite of your hate
Lacking your consent can see, and succumb;
Bestow a grander Destiny!
It's simple to ruin, you can fashion.
Then give me leave to cherish, & love me too
Not with design
To uplift, as Love's damned defiers behave
As whining Versifiers whine,
Renown to their grace, from their weeping eyne.
Sorrow is a pool and mirrors not clear
Thy beauty’s lights;
Joys are untainted streams, your gaze seem
Sullen in gloomier verses,
Through happy numbers they shine brilliant with praise.
What will not refer to express you lovely
Injuries, flames, and shafts,
Gales in your countenance, traps in your hair,
Corrupting all your attributes,
Or else to deceive, or afflict ensnared hearts.
I’ll render your gaze like dawn stars look,
Just as gentle, and fair;
Thy forehead as Crystall smooth, and clear,
Whereas your tousled locks
May drift like a serene Region of the Air.
Abundant The natural world's hoard (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I will use, to adorn
Thy graces, if your Mine of Joy
With equal thankfulness
You but open, so we mutually favor.
Delving into the Poem's Themes
This composition examines the relationship of affection and praise, in which the speaker addresses a lady who seeks his love. Rather, he offers a mutual exchange of poetic tribute for intimate delights. This language is graceful, blending polished norms with candid statements of desire.
Through the verses, the author rejects common tropes of unrequited affection, like grief and lamentation, claiming they cloud true charm. The speaker chooses delight and praise to highlight the woman's qualities, assuring to render her gaze as radiant orbs and her hair as flowing air. The method emphasizes a practical yet skillful outlook on bonds.
Key Elements of the Composition
- Reciprocal Arrangement: The verse revolves on a suggestion of praise in return for delight, highlighting equality between the persons.
- Dismissal of Standard Themes: The speaker condemns common artistic tools like sorrow and metaphors of pain, preferring upbeat depictions.
- Poetic Craftsmanship: The use of diverse line measures and rhythm showcases the poet's proficiency in verse, creating a graceful and engaging read.
Abundant Nature's store (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I’l spend, to embellish
Your beauties, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
In matching gratitude
One but release, so we one another grace.
This stanza summarizes the essential bargain, where the writer vows to use his inventive gifts to praise the maiden, in return for her willingness. This language blends pious overtones with earthly desires, adding complexity to the poem's theme.