For a Lady That Wished Me to Love Her

Since you've freely given me permission to love,
How will you act?
Am I to your joy, or ardor move,
When I begin to woo;
Do you trouble, or mock, or cherish me too?

Every minor beauty can reject, and I
Spight of your hate
Absent your permission can see, and perish;
Bestow a nobler Lot!
It is effortless to ruin, you could fashion.

Therefore grant me leave to adore, & cherish me too
Without purpose
To uplift, as Affection's cursed defiers behave
When whining Versifiers whine,
Acclaim to their beauty, from their tearful gaze.

Sadness is a pool and reflects not clear
Your grace's lights;
Joyes are clear streams, your vision seem
Morose in sadder verses,
Through happy lines they gleam bright with acclaim.

Which will not allude to describe you fayr
Wounds, blazes, and darts,
Tempests in your brow, nets in your hayr,
Bribing all your features,
Either to deceive, or torture captive affections.

I’ll render your vision like morning orbs appear,
Just as soft, and fayr;
Your countenance as crystal even, and pure,
And your unkempt locks
Will flow like a serene Region of the Atmosphere.

Wealthy Nature's treasury (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I’l use, to dress
Your graces, if your Source of Delight
With equal thankfulness
Thou but open, so we mutually bless.

Examining the Poem's Ideas

This work examines the relationship of love and praise, in which the narrator engages with a maiden who desires his devotion. Conversely, he offers a reciprocal exchange of literary admiration for intimate delights. This wording is graceful, blending refined traditions with frank utterances of desire.

Within the lines, the poet spurns common tropes of unrequited affection, including grief and lamentation, stating they cloud true charm. He favors delight and acclaim to showcase the woman's attributes, vowing to depict her vision as radiant orbs and her hair as drifting atmosphere. The approach emphasizes a pragmatic yet artful view on relationships.

Key Aspects of the Composition

  • Mutual Arrangement: The verse revolves on a proposal of tribute in return for delight, highlighting equality between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Standard Ideas: The narrator condemns common artistic tools like sorrow and similes of suffering, favoring optimistic depictions.
  • Artistic Craftsmanship: The employment of varied verse lengths and cadence showcases the writer's proficiency in poetry, producing a fluid and compelling read.
Abundant Nature’s hoard (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I will use, to adorn
Thy beauties, if your Mine of Delight
In matching thankfulness
One but release, so we mutually favor.

This stanza captures the essential arrangement, in which the poet pledges to use his creative talents to honor the maiden, in return for her receptiveness. The wording mixes devout undertones with worldly desires, giving depth to the work's theme.

Amanda Douglas
Amanda Douglas

A passionate traveler and photographer who shares insights on Italian coastal destinations and cultural experiences.

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