For a Lady That Desired I Would Show Affection

Since you've granted me consent to love,
What shall you respond?
Am I to your joy, or ardor move,
When I begin to woo;
Shall you torment, or mock, or cherish me too?

Every minor grace can reject, and I
Despite your aversion
Without your permission can see, and perish;
Dispense a loftier Destiny!
’Tis easy to demolish, you can create.

Thus grant me leave to cherish, & cherish me too
Without intent
To elevate, as Affection's cursed insurgents behave
As whining Poets lament,
Fame to their beauty, from their tearful gaze.

Grief is a pond and reflects not bright
Thy charm's rayes;
Delights are untainted currents, your gaze look
Sullen in more sorrowful verses,
Through cheerfull verses they radiate luminous with prayse.

Which will not allude to express you fair
Injuries, flames, and arrows,
Storms in your forehead, nets in your locks,
Bribing all your parts,
Or to deceive, or afflict ensnared affections.

I shall cause your vision like dawn stars appear,
Just as soft, and fair;
Thy countenance as crystal polished, and pure,
Whereas your tousled hair
Will stream like a serene Zone of the Atmosphere.

Wealthy Nature's store (which is the Writer's Riches)
I shall use, to adorn
Thy beauties, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
With equal appreciation
One but unlock, so we mutually favor.

Exploring the Work's Motifs

This composition explores the dynamics of passion and praise, in which the poet addresses a woman who requests his devotion. Instead, he proposes a shared arrangement of literary praise for personal delights. The wording is graceful, combining courtly traditions with frank statements of longing.

Through the verses, the poet spurns usual motifs of one-sided affection, such as sadness and tears, claiming they cloud true beauty. The speaker prefers joy and admiration to emphasize the lady's attributes, vowing to render her vision as bright suns and her tresses as drifting air. This approach highlights a practical yet clever perspective on relationships.

Key Aspects of the Piece

  • Reciprocal Exchange: The verse revolves on a offer of praise in exchange for delight, stressing equality between the persons.
  • Rejection of Conventional Themes: The poet criticizes common artistic devices like sadness and metaphors of pain, choosing optimistic imagery.
  • Poetic Artistry: The application of varied line lengths and cadence showcases the writer's expertise in poetry, producing a smooth and captivating experience.
Abundant Nature’s store (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I’l use, to embellish
Your charms, if your Mine of Pleasure
In equal gratitude
You but unlock, so we each other favor.

The section summarizes the core bargain, as the poet vows to employ his artistic talents to celebrate the lady, in return for her openness. This wording combines spiritual hints with physical longings, adding depth to the verse's theme.

Molly Hicks
Molly Hicks

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, Evelyn brings years of experience in digital media and trend analysis.