Addressing a Lady That Desired I Would Show Affection

Now you have bestowed me permission to love,
What shall you respond?
Will I your mirth, or ardor arouse,
As I commence court;
Do you torment, or scorn, or cherish me too?

Every minor grace can scorn, and I
Despite your aversion
Lacking your consent can perceive, and perish;
Grant a loftier Destiny!
’Tis easy to ruin, you could form.

Therefore grant me consent to cherish, & love me too
Lacking intent
To elevate, as Love's cursed defiers act
While puling Versifiers moan,
Renown to their beauty, from their blubber’d eyne.

Grief is a pond and shows not distinct
One's grace's lights;
Joys are untainted streames, your gaze look
Sullen in gloomier songs,
Through joyful verses they gleam brilliant with praise.

That will not mention to portray you fair
Wounds, flames, and arrows,
Storms in your countenance, traps in your hair,
Bribing all your features,
Or to trick, or afflict trapped hearts.

I shall cause your vision like sunrise orbs appear,
Like mild, and fair;
Your forehead as Crystall even, and clear,
While your tousled hayr
May drift like a calm Area of the Air.

Wealthy The natural world's store (which is the Writer's Riches)
I shall use, to embellish
One's beauties, if your Mine of Delight
With equall thankfulness
You but unlock, so we mutually favor.

Exploring the Work's Motifs

The work delves the interplay of affection and acclaim, where the poet engages with a woman who requests his devotion. Instead, he offers a reciprocal arrangement of poetic praise for private delights. The phraseology is elegant, mixing courtly norms with candid utterances of desire.

In the stanzas, the author rejects typical themes of unrequited affection, like grief and lamentation, arguing they dim true charm. The speaker favors happiness and praise to highlight the woman's qualities, vowing to render her gaze as bright stars and her locks as flowing air. This technique emphasizes a practical yet artful perspective on relationships.

Key Aspects of the Piece

  • Mutual Agreement: The verse centers on a proposal of admiration in return for delight, stressing parity between the parties.
  • Spurning of Standard Motifs: The narrator disparages typical artistic devices like grief and similes of pain, choosing optimistic descriptions.
  • Poetic Craftsmanship: The application of diverse verse lengths and rhythm showcases the writer's proficiency in poetry, producing a fluid and captivating text.
Abundant Nature’s store (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I’l use, to embellish
Thy beauties, if your Source of Joy
With matching gratitude
You but open, so we each other favor.

The section captures the central bargain, in which the poet promises to use his creative abilities to honor the woman, as compensation for her willingness. The phraseology blends devout undertones with worldly desires, providing depth to the poem's theme.

Rachel Warren
Rachel Warren

A passionate writer and wellness coach dedicated to sharing practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.