For a Lady That Desired Me to Love Her
Given that you bestowed me permission to love,
What will you act?
Am I to your mirth, or passion stir,
As I commence woo;
Do you trouble, or mock, or adore me too?
All trivial charm can scorn, and I
Despite your aversion
Without your permission can see, and die;
Bestow a loftier Fate!
It's simple to ruin, you could form.
Then grant me permission to cherish, & cherish me too
Without purpose
To raise, as Love's accursed rebels do
When whining Poets whine,
Acclaim to their grace, from their tearful gaze.
Sadness is a puddle and mirrors not distinct
Your charm's rayes;
Joys are clear currents, your gaze look
Gloomy in gloomier songs,
In cheerfull numbers they gleam bright with prayse.
That will not mention to express you fair
Harms, fires, and shafts,
Tempests in your countenance, traps in your locks,
Corrupting all your parts,
Or to betray, or torment captive affections.
I will make your eyes like morning stars seem,
Just as soft, and fayr;
Thy brow as crystal even, and transparent,
While your unkempt hair
May drift like a tranquil Zone of the Air.
Wealthy Nature's store (which is the Writer's Riches)
I shall spend, to dress
One's charms, if your Mine of Delight
Through matching thankfulness
One but open, so we one another bless.
Examining the Work's Themes
The composition explores the dynamics of love and acclaim, as the speaker addresses a woman who desires his affection. Rather, he offers a mutual arrangement of poetic tribute for intimate favors. This wording is elegant, combining polished traditions with frank expressions of yearning.
Within the verses, the poet spurns usual motifs of unreturned affection, like grief and lamentation, arguing they cloud true grace. He favors happiness and acclaim to emphasize the lady's attributes, assuring to render her eyes as radiant stars and her tresses as streaming air. The technique underscores a practical yet clever outlook on connections.
Significant Aspects of the Piece
- Reciprocal Agreement: The poem revolves on a suggestion of tribute in exchange for delight, emphasizing parity between the persons.
- Rejection of Conventional Themes: The poet condemns usual literary techniques like grief and similes of suffering, choosing positive descriptions.
- Artistic Skill: The employment of varied meter lengths and rhythm demonstrates the author's mastery in composition, creating a graceful and captivating read.
Abundant The natural world's store (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I will use, to adorn
Your graces, if your Wellspring of Joy
Through equal appreciation
Thou but unlock, so we mutually grace.
This verse captures the essential deal, as the writer vows to employ his inventive abilities to honor the woman, in exchange for her willingness. The phraseology mixes spiritual undertones with physical desires, giving profundity to the verse's message.