For a Lady That Wished Me to Love Her
Given that you freely given me permission to love,
How will you act?
Shall I your mirth, or emotion stir,
Once I begin to pursue;
Do you distress, or mock, or cherish me too?
All trivial grace can scorn, and I
Spight of your dislike
Without your leave can observe, and perish;
Grant a nobler Lot!
It's simple to demolish, you may form.
Then grant me permission to love, & adore me too
Without intent
To uplift, as Love's accursed rebels do
When puling Bards lament,
Acclaim to their grace, from their tearful eyne.
Sadness is a pool and shows not distinct
Your grace's rayes;
Joyes are clear streames, your vision appear
Sullen in gloomier songs,
Within cheerfull numbers they radiate bright with prayse.
What shall not refer to express you fair
Wounds, blazes, and arrows,
Storms in your brow, snares in your hayr,
Corrupting all your features,
Or else to trick, or afflict ensnared hearts.
I will render your eyes like sunrise stars appear,
Just as soft, and fayr;
One's brow as Crystall even, and pure,
Whereas your dishevelled hair
May flow like a calm Zone of the Atmosphere.
Rich The natural world's hoard (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I will spend, to dress
Your graces, if your Mine of Delight
With equall gratitude
One but release, so we each other grace.
Examining the Poem's Motifs
The piece examines the interplay of affection and praise, where the poet addresses a maiden who requests his affection. Conversely, he proposes a mutual agreement of literary admiration for intimate pleasures. The phraseology is refined, blending polished conventions with frank statements of longing.
Through the verses, the poet spurns common motifs of one-sided love, like grief and tears, claiming they cloud true beauty. The speaker chooses delight and praise to emphasize the lady's features, assuring to depict her eyes as bright orbs and her hair as flowing air. This method highlights a pragmatic yet artful view on relationships.
Key Elements of the Composition
- Mutual Agreement: The verse revolves on a offer of admiration in exchange for enjoyment, highlighting parity between the individuals.
- Dismissal of Traditional Themes: The speaker condemns usual literary tools like sadness and imagery of pain, favoring upbeat imagery.
- Creative Artistry: The use of diverse line measures and flow displays the poet's mastery in composition, producing a graceful and captivating experience.
Abundant The natural world's store (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I shall spend, to adorn
Thy charms, if your Mine of Delight
With equal thankfulness
You but open, so we one another bless.
The verse captures the essential bargain, as the writer vows to employ his creative abilities to honor the woman, as compensation for her receptiveness. This wording mixes devout undertones with earthly longings, adding depth to the verse's theme.