Addressing a Lady Who Desired Me to Show Affection

Now you have freely given me consent to love,
What will you do?
Shall I your mirth, or passion move,
When I start to woo;
Will you torment, or mock, or adore me too?

Every minor beauty can scorn, and I
Despite your aversion
Without your leave can see, and die;
Grant a loftier Destiny!
It is effortless to ruin, you could form.

Therefore allow me consent to love, & adore me too
Not with intent
To elevate, as Loves accursed defiers act
As whining Poets whine,
Acclaim to their charm, from their blubber’d gaze.

Sorrow is a puddle and shows not clear
Your grace's beams;
Joyes are clear currents, your gaze appear
Sullen in sadder layes,
In joyful numbers they radiate bright with acclaim.

Which will not allude to describe you fayr
Wounds, blazes, and arrows,
Storms in your forehead, nets in your hair,
Suborning all your parts,
Or to deceive, or afflict captive affections.

I will make your gaze like morning suns look,
As soft, and fayr;
Your forehead as crystal polished, and transparent,
Whereas your dishevelled locks
Shall flow like a serene Region of the Ayr.

Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I’l expend, to dress
One's graces, if your Mine of Delight
With matching appreciation
Thou but unlock, so we each other favor.

Delving into the Work's Themes

The composition explores the interplay of passion and admiration, where the speaker speaks to a woman who desires his affection. Rather, he offers a shared exchange of artistic praise for intimate favors. This phraseology is graceful, mixing polished norms with frank utterances of desire.

Within the stanzas, the poet rejects typical motifs of one-sided love, such as grief and lamentation, stating they dim true charm. The speaker favors happiness and acclaim to showcase the lady's features, assuring to render her vision as shining suns and her tresses as drifting atmosphere. The technique highlights a realistic yet clever view on connections.

Significant Aspects of the Work

  • Shared Agreement: The verse focuses on a offer of praise in return for enjoyment, highlighting equality between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Traditional Ideas: The narrator criticizes typical literary techniques like sadness and metaphors of pain, preferring optimistic imagery.
  • Artistic Skill: The employment of varied meter measures and rhythm showcases the author's expertise in poetry, forming a smooth and captivating read.
Rich Nature’s store (which is the Poet’s Riches)
I’l use, to dress
Your charms, if your Mine of Delight
Through matching thankfulness
Thou but release, so we mutually bless.

The section captures the central bargain, as the poet vows to utilize his creative gifts to honor the lady, in return for her willingness. The wording combines spiritual undertones with physical longings, adding depth to the verse's meaning.

Joanna Sullivan
Joanna Sullivan

A passionate storyteller and mindfulness advocate, Evelyn finds beauty in everyday experiences and loves sharing insights to inspire others.