Addressing a Lady Who Desired Me to Show Affection
Since you've freely given me permission to love,
How will you do?
Shall I your delight, or ardor stir,
When I commence woo;
Do you torment, or scorn, or love me too?
All trivial grace can disdain, and I
Despite your hate
Absent your consent can perceive, and succumb;
Dispense a nobler Lot!
’Tis easy to destroy, you may form.
Thus grant me permission to adore, & love me too
Lacking design
To elevate, as Loves damned defiers do
While complaining Poets whine,
Renown to their beauty, from their blubber’d eyne.
Sorrow is a pool and mirrors not distinct
Thy grace's lights;
Joyes are pure streams, your gaze look
Morose in sadder verses,
Through joyful lines they radiate brilliant with acclaim.
That may not refer to portray you lovely
Harms, flames, and shafts,
Gales in your brow, traps in your hair,
Bribing all your parts,
Either to betray, or afflict ensnared hearts.
I will make your eyes like morning orbs seem,
Just as mild, and lovely;
One's forehead as Crystall even, and clear,
While your tousled locks
May stream like a serene Region of the Air.
Wealthy Nature’s treasury (which is the Writer's Riches)
I will spend, to dress
Thy charms, if your Source of Delight
With matching appreciation
Thou but unlock, so we mutually bless.
Delving into the Poem's Themes
This piece delves the interplay of love and praise, in which the narrator speaks to a maiden who requests his devotion. Rather, he suggests a mutual arrangement of poetic admiration for intimate favors. The wording is graceful, mixing refined conventions with candid utterances of longing.
Through the lines, the writer rejects typical themes of unrequited passion, such as grief and tears, claiming they dim true grace. The speaker favors delight and acclaim to emphasize the maiden's features, assuring to depict her eyes as shining suns and her hair as flowing air. The technique underscores a practical yet skillful perspective on relationships.
Significant Aspects of the Work
- Shared Exchange: The verse focuses on a suggestion of tribute in exchange for pleasure, emphasizing equality between the individuals.
- Spurning of Traditional Themes: The speaker criticizes usual poetic techniques like sorrow and metaphors of pain, choosing upbeat depictions.
- Creative Skill: The use of mixed line patterns and rhythm displays the poet's mastery in poetry, creating a fluid and captivating read.
Wealthy The natural world's store (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I shall spend, to embellish
Thy charms, if your Mine of Joy
Through matching thankfulness
You but open, so we one another grace.
This section captures the core bargain, where the writer promises to utilize his inventive gifts to praise the woman, as compensation for her openness. The phraseology blends pious hints with earthly longings, giving profundity to the verse's message.