Addressing a Lady Who Wished I Would Show Affection
Now you have freely given me permission to love,
What will you act?
Am I to your joy, or passion arouse,
As I commence court;
Shall you torment, or scorn, or cherish me too?
Each petty beauty can scorn, and I
Despite your aversion
Lacking your consent can perceive, and perish;
Bestow a nobler Lot!
It's simple to ruin, you can create.
Then allow me consent to adore, & cherish me too
Lacking purpose
To elevate, as Loves cursed insurgents act
As complaining Versifiers whine,
Acclaim to their beauty, from their tearful gaze.
Grief is a pool and shows not distinct
One's grace's rayes;
Joys are untainted streams, your eyes seem
Gloomy in gloomier songs,
In joyful lines they radiate bright with prayse.
That may not refer to describe you lovely
Wounds, flames, and shafts,
Gales in your countenance, nets in your hayr,
Corrupting all your parts,
Or else to trick, or afflict captive affections.
I shall render your vision like dawn stars look,
Just as soft, and lovely;
Your brow as glass even, and clear,
While your dishevelled hair
Shall drift like a tranquil Area of the Ayr.
Rich The natural world's store (which is the Bard's Riches)
I shall spend, to dress
Thy charms, if your Source of Delight
In equal thankfulness
Thou but unlock, so we mutually favor.
Delving into the Poem's Themes
This piece explores the relationship of passion and acclaim, as the narrator addresses a woman who requests his affection. Instead, he proposes a mutual exchange of artistic tribute for personal pleasures. This wording is graceful, combining polished traditions with candid utterances of longing.
Through the stanzas, the poet dismisses typical themes of unreturned affection, such as sorrow and lamentation, claiming they cloud true charm. The speaker chooses happiness and admiration to highlight the woman's qualities, assuring to portray her gaze as shining orbs and her hair as drifting atmosphere. The technique emphasizes a practical yet skillful perspective on relationships.
Key Components of the Piece
- Mutual Agreement: The verse revolves on a proposal of admiration in return for delight, highlighting parity between the persons.
- Dismissal of Conventional Motifs: The speaker disparages common poetic devices like sadness and imagery of anguish, preferring positive depictions.
- Artistic Craftsmanship: The employment of varied verse lengths and flow displays the author's expertise in composition, producing a fluid and captivating experience.
Wealthy The natural world's hoard (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I’l expend, to embellish
One's graces, if your Wellspring of Joy
Through matching thankfulness
You but unlock, so we each other grace.
This section captures the essential arrangement, where the author pledges to employ his inventive talents to honor the lady, in return for her receptiveness. This phraseology mixes spiritual undertones with physical desires, providing profundity to the work's message.