To a Lady Who Wished I Would Show Affection
Now you have freely given me permission to love,
What shall you do?
Will I your joy, or emotion move,
When I begin to court;
Do you trouble, or scorn, or love me too?
Each petty beauty can reject, and I
Spight of your hate
Lacking your consent can see, and die;
Grant a grander Fate!
It is effortless to ruin, you could create.
Then grant me permission to love, & cherish me too
Not with design
To elevate, as Loves damned rebels do
When whining Versifiers moan,
Acclaim to their charm, from their tearful eyne.
Sorrow is a puddle and reflects not clear
Your charm's beams;
Delights are untainted currents, your gaze seem
Morose in gloomier songs,
Through happy verses they radiate bright with praise.
That may not allude to describe you fair
Harms, flames, and shafts,
Gales in your countenance, traps in your locks,
Suborning all your features,
Or to betray, or torment captive souls.
I will cause your gaze like morning stars seem,
Just as mild, and lovely;
Your brow as glass smooth, and pure,
Whereas your dishevelled hayr
Will stream like a serene Zone of the Atmosphere.
Rich Nature's hoard (which is the Bard's Riches)
I will expend, to embellish
One's charms, if your Wellspring of Delight
In equall gratitude
One but release, so we each other favor.
Exploring the Poem's Themes
This work delves the interplay of affection and admiration, where the poet engages with a maiden who seeks his affection. Instead, he offers a mutual exchange of literary tribute for intimate favors. The wording is refined, blending refined traditions with candid utterances of yearning.
Within the stanzas, the author dismisses common tropes of unreturned affection, such as sorrow and tears, arguing they obscure true beauty. The speaker prefers happiness and admiration to emphasize the lady's qualities, assuring to render her eyes as bright stars and her tresses as drifting breeze. The method highlights a pragmatic yet clever outlook on bonds.
Key Components of the Piece
- Reciprocal Arrangement: The verse focuses on a proposal of admiration in return for delight, emphasizing parity between the individuals.
- Dismissal of Conventional Themes: The poet condemns typical artistic techniques like sorrow and imagery of suffering, choosing positive imagery.
- Creative Craftsmanship: The employment of diverse line measures and rhythm demonstrates the writer's expertise in composition, producing a graceful and captivating text.
Rich Nature's treasury (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I shall spend, to dress
Thy charms, if your Wellspring of Joy
With matching gratitude
One but release, so we one another grace.
The verse encapsulates the essential bargain, as the poet promises to utilize his artistic gifts to celebrate the woman, in return for her openness. The wording mixes devout hints with physical longings, giving profundity to the verse's message.