Addressing a Lady Who Desired I Would Love Her

Since you've freely given me permission to love,
How will you respond?
Shall I your joy, or ardor stir,
Once I start to court;
Do you torment, or mock, or adore me too?

Each petty charm can scorn, and I
Despite your dislike
Lacking your consent can observe, and succumb;
Grant a grander Lot!
’Tis easy to ruin, you may form.

Then grant me permission to adore, & love me too
Lacking intent
To uplift, as Love's cursed rebels act
When puling Versifiers lament,
Acclaim to their charm, from their blubber’d gaze.

Grief is a pool and reflects not bright
Your grace's lights;
Joyes are pure streams, your vision seem
Sullen in more sorrowful songs,
In cheerfull lines they shine bright with praise.

What shall not allude to express you fair
Injuries, fires, and darts,
Tempests in your countenance, nets in your hair,
Suborning all your parts,
Either to deceive, or torture captive hearts.

I will render your eyes like dawn orbs look,
Like mild, and lovely;
One's brow as Crystall smooth, and transparent,
While your dishevelled locks
Shall flow like a calm Region of the Ayr.

Wealthy Nature's treasury (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I shall spend, to adorn
One's beauties, if your Wellspring of Joy
Through equal gratitude
One but release, so we each other grace.

Examining the Poem's Themes

This composition examines the interplay of passion and praise, as the poet engages with a woman who seeks his devotion. Rather, he proposes a shared exchange of artistic tribute for intimate favors. The wording is graceful, combining polished traditions with direct statements of longing.

In the verses, the author dismisses typical motifs of unrequited passion, like grief and lamentation, claiming they dim true beauty. He prefers joy and admiration to highlight the maiden's qualities, assuring to render her vision as shining stars and her tresses as drifting atmosphere. This approach underscores a pragmatic yet artful outlook on relationships.

Important Aspects of the Work

  • Mutual Arrangement: The poem revolves on a offer of tribute in exchange for delight, stressing parity between the persons.
  • Dismissal of Standard Motifs: The speaker condemns typical poetic devices like sadness and similes of pain, preferring upbeat descriptions.
  • Artistic Skill: The use of mixed meter measures and rhythm displays the poet's expertise in composition, creating a graceful and captivating read.
Wealthy Nature’s store (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I’l spend, to embellish
Your beauties, if your Source of Pleasure
Through equal appreciation
One but open, so we mutually grace.

The stanza encapsulates the essential bargain, where the writer promises to employ his inventive abilities to honor the maiden, in return for her willingness. The language combines spiritual overtones with physical yearnings, providing depth to the verse's theme.

Amy Vega
Amy Vega

Tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on society and business.