To a Lady Who Wished Me to Show Affection
Since you've bestowed me leave to love,
What will you do?
Am I to your delight, or emotion arouse,
Once I commence court;
Will you trouble, or scorn, or cherish me too?
Each petty grace can reject, and I
In spite of your hate
Without your leave can perceive, and perish;
Bestow a nobler Fate!
’Tis easy to ruin, you could create.
Then give me permission to cherish, & love me too
Without purpose
To raise, as Love's accursed defiers do
As complaining Bards moan,
Fame to their grace, from their blubber’d gaze.
Sadness is a puddle and shows not bright
Your beauty’s rayes;
Delights are clear streames, your eyes look
Sullen in more sorrowful songs,
In happy verses they radiate luminous with praise.
What shall not allude to portray you fair
Injuries, blazes, and shafts,
Storms in your brow, traps in your hair,
Bribing all your features,
Or else to betray, or torture captive hearts.
I will make your eyes like dawn stars appear,
Like mild, and fayr;
One's brow as glass polished, and clear,
And your tousled hayr
Will drift like a calm Region of the Air.
Rich The natural world's treasury (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I shall use, to adorn
Your charms, if your Mine of Joy
Through matching appreciation
You but release, so we mutually favor.
Exploring the Verse's Ideas
The piece delves the dynamics of love and admiration, in which the narrator addresses a maiden who desires his love. Rather, he suggests a shared exchange of artistic tribute for private delights. This phraseology is graceful, mixing refined traditions with candid statements of longing.
In the stanzas, the writer spurns typical motifs of one-sided love, including grief and lamentation, stating they dim true charm. He chooses delight and admiration to showcase the maiden's qualities, vowing to portray her gaze as bright orbs and her locks as flowing air. This technique emphasizes a practical yet artful view on connections.
Significant Components of the Piece
- Reciprocal Arrangement: The poem centers on a proposal of tribute in trade for enjoyment, highlighting equality between the parties.
- Dismissal of Traditional Motifs: The poet condemns common artistic tools like grief and metaphors of suffering, favoring positive descriptions.
- Artistic Craftsmanship: The employment of mixed line lengths and cadence showcases the writer's expertise in poetry, producing a graceful and compelling experience.
Abundant Nature’s hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I will use, to adorn
One's graces, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
Through equall thankfulness
You but release, so we mutually grace.
This section summarizes the core deal, where the poet pledges to employ his creative talents to celebrate the lady, in return for her openness. The language mixes devout undertones with worldly desires, providing depth to the work's message.