For a Lady Who Wished I Would Love Her
Since you've granted me permission to love,
What will you act?
Am I to your mirth, or passion move,
When I start to pursue;
Shall you torment, or scorn, or adore me too?
Every minor grace can scorn, and I
In spite of your dislike
Without your leave can observe, and die;
Dispense a grander Fate!
It is effortless to ruin, you can fashion.
Therefore allow me consent to cherish, & cherish me too
Without design
To raise, as Affection's accursed defiers behave
When complaining Versifiers whine,
Acclaim to their charm, from their tearful eyes.
Sorrow is a pool and shows not bright
Your grace's lights;
Joyes are untainted currents, your eyes seem
Morose in more sorrowful verses,
Through cheerfull verses they gleam bright with praise.
That may not mention to express you lovely
Injuries, blazes, and darts,
Tempests in your countenance, nets in your hayr,
Bribing all your attributes,
Or else to deceive, or torment ensnared affections.
I will render your gaze like morning stars seem,
Just as mild, and fayr;
Your brow as glass polished, and pure,
While your unkempt hair
Will stream like a serene Region of the Air.
Wealthy The natural world's store (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I will use, to embellish
Your charms, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
Through matching thankfulness
Thou but unlock, so we each other grace.
Exploring the Poem's Themes
This piece explores the interplay of love and praise, in which the narrator addresses a woman who desires his love. Conversely, he suggests a reciprocal arrangement of poetic tribute for private delights. This phraseology is graceful, mixing polished traditions with candid expressions of desire.
Through the stanzas, the author dismisses common themes of one-sided affection, like sadness and weeping, stating they cloud true beauty. He favors joy and praise to showcase the maiden's features, assuring to depict her vision as radiant orbs and her hair as streaming atmosphere. The method emphasizes a realistic yet skillful view on bonds.
Significant Elements of the Work
- Mutual Agreement: The work centers on a proposal of admiration in trade for pleasure, highlighting parity between the individuals.
- Rejection of Standard Ideas: The poet criticizes common literary devices like grief and imagery of suffering, choosing upbeat depictions.
- Poetic Artistry: The application of mixed meter measures and cadence displays the poet's mastery in composition, forming a smooth and compelling read.
Rich Nature’s hoard (which is the Poet’s Riches)
I will spend, to embellish
One's graces, if your Mine of Delight
In matching gratitude
Thou but release, so we one another favor.
The stanza captures the essential deal, in which the poet pledges to utilize his artistic gifts to celebrate the lady, as compensation for her receptiveness. The language combines spiritual overtones with physical yearnings, adding profundity to the work's meaning.
