Addressing a Lady That Desired I Would Love Her

Since you've freely given me permission to love,
What shall you act?
Will I your joy, or emotion arouse,
When I commence woo;
Will you torment, or mock, or cherish me too?

All trivial grace can reject, and I
Spight of your dislike
Absent your leave can perceive, and perish;
Dispense a grander Lot!
It's simple to destroy, you may fashion.

Then allow me leave to adore, & cherish me too
Lacking intent
To raise, as Love's accursed rebels behave
When puling Versifiers whine,
Fame to their beauty, from their blubber’d eyes.

Sorrow is a pool and shows not distinct
Thy beauty’s beams;
Joyes are untainted streames, your vision appear
Gloomy in sadder verses,
Within happy lines they radiate luminous with prayse.

What shall not allude to portray you lovely
Injuries, flames, and darts,
Gales in your countenance, snares in your locks,
Bribing all your parts,
Or to trick, or torture ensnared hearts.

I shall cause your vision like morning orbs seem,
Like mild, and fair;
Thy countenance as glass polished, and clear,
Whereas your tousled hair
Will stream like a serene Zone of the Ayr.

Rich Nature’s hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I’l use, to dress
Thy charms, if your Source of Delight
Through matching gratitude
You but open, so we each other favor.

Exploring the Work's Themes

This work explores the relationship of love and admiration, as the poet speaks to a woman who desires his love. Instead, he proposes a reciprocal exchange of literary admiration for personal favors. The language is refined, mixing refined conventions with candid utterances of yearning.

Within the lines, the writer dismisses usual themes of unrequited affection, like sadness and tears, claiming they obscure true beauty. The speaker favors joy and praise to showcase the maiden's qualities, promising to portray her vision as radiant suns and her tresses as drifting air. This method underscores a practical yet clever perspective on relationships.

Key Elements of the Piece

  • Reciprocal Agreement: The verse focuses on a suggestion of praise in exchange for delight, emphasizing parity between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Traditional Motifs: The speaker disparages usual artistic techniques like grief and imagery of pain, choosing upbeat descriptions.
  • Creative Artistry: The application of diverse verse measures and cadence displays the poet's mastery in composition, producing a fluid and captivating text.
Wealthy The natural world's store (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I will expend, to dress
Thy charms, if your Source of Joy
With matching gratitude
Thou but release, so we mutually bless.

The section captures the central arrangement, where the writer vows to utilize his creative gifts to celebrate the woman, in return for her openness. The wording blends devout hints with physical desires, giving profundity to the verse's meaning.

Megan Ford
Megan Ford

A passionate environmental scientist and writer dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions and educating communities on sustainable living.