For a Lady Who Wished Me to Love Her

Given that you freely given me leave to love,
How will you act?
Am I to your delight, or ardor arouse,
Once I begin to pursue;
Shall you torment, or disdain, or adore me too?

Every minor beauty can scorn, and I
Despite your dislike
Lacking your permission can observe, and succumb;
Bestow a loftier Lot!
It is effortless to demolish, you can create.

Therefore give me consent to adore, & love me too
Not with intent
To raise, as Affection's cursed defiers do
While whining Bards moan,
Renown to their charm, from their blubber’d eyne.

Grief is a puddle and mirrors not bright
Thy grace's lights;
Joyes are clear streams, your gaze appear
Sullen in more sorrowful verses,
Through happy numbers they shine bright with acclaim.

What may not refer to express you fayr
Harms, fires, and shafts,
Storms in your brow, nets in your hair,
Corrupting all your parts,
Either to betray, or torment ensnared hearts.

I will render your gaze like morning stars seem,
Like soft, and fair;
One's countenance as crystal polished, and transparent,
While your unkempt hayr
May drift like a calm Area of the Atmosphere.

Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I shall expend, to adorn
Thy beauties, if your Source of Delight
With equall thankfulness
You but unlock, so we one another bless.

Exploring the Work's Ideas

This piece examines the relationship of love and acclaim, as the speaker addresses a woman who seeks his affection. Conversely, he proposes a mutual agreement of literary tribute for private delights. This wording is graceful, blending courtly traditions with candid statements of yearning.

Through the lines, the writer dismisses usual motifs of unrequited love, like grief and weeping, arguing they cloud true charm. The speaker chooses delight and admiration to emphasize the maiden's qualities, assuring to render her eyes as radiant stars and her locks as flowing breeze. This approach underscores a practical yet artful view on bonds.

Important Aspects of the Work

  • Reciprocal Agreement: The poem revolves on a suggestion of admiration in exchange for pleasure, emphasizing balance between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Conventional Themes: The poet condemns usual artistic techniques like sorrow and metaphors of anguish, preferring upbeat depictions.
  • Artistic Craftsmanship: The use of varied meter patterns and cadence showcases the author's proficiency in poetry, producing a smooth and captivating text.
Rich Nature’s treasury (which is the Poet’s Riches)
I’l use, to embellish
Your beauties, if your Wellspring of Delight
Through equal appreciation
You but unlock, so we mutually bless.

This verse encapsulates the core deal, as the author pledges to use his artistic gifts to celebrate the maiden, in return for her willingness. This phraseology mixes devout hints with earthly longings, providing complexity to the poem's meaning.

Megan Clark
Megan Clark

A passionate skier and travel enthusiast with years of experience exploring mountain resorts worldwide.

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