For a Lady Who Wished I Would Show Affection

Now you have granted me leave to love,
What will you do?
Will I your mirth, or passion move,
When I commence woo;
Shall you trouble, or disdain, or adore me too?

Every minor beauty can scorn, and I
In spite of your hate
Without your permission can perceive, and succumb;
Dispense a grander Destiny!
It's simple to ruin, you may fashion.

Then allow me permission to adore, & adore me too
Without purpose
To uplift, as Love's damned insurgents act
When puling Poets whine,
Fame to their grace, from their tearful eyne.

Grief is a pool and mirrors not clear
Your charm's lights;
Delights are pure streames, your eyes look
Gloomy in gloomier verses,
Within cheerfull numbers they gleam brilliant with prayse.

Which may not mention to express you fair
Injuries, fires, and arrows,
Storms in your countenance, nets in your hair,
Bribing all your parts,
Or to trick, or afflict ensnared hearts.

I will make your vision like dawn orbs appear,
As gentle, and lovely;
Thy forehead as crystal polished, and clear,
And your dishevelled hair
Will flow like a calm Region of the Ayr.

Rich The natural world's treasury (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I’l expend, to dress
Your beauties, if your Wellspring of Joy
With equall thankfulness
You but unlock, so we one another favor.

Delving into the Work's Ideas

This work examines the relationship of passion and acclaim, as the narrator addresses a woman who requests his love. Instead, he suggests a shared exchange of artistic tribute for intimate favors. This phraseology is elegant, blending courtly norms with frank expressions of desire.

Within the lines, the author dismisses typical tropes of unrequited love, such as sorrow and weeping, arguing they dim true grace. The speaker chooses delight and admiration to emphasize the maiden's qualities, assuring to portray her vision as bright orbs and her tresses as drifting air. This technique underscores a pragmatic yet artful outlook on relationships.

Important Aspects of the Composition

  • Reciprocal Agreement: The verse focuses on a suggestion of admiration in return for delight, highlighting parity between the parties.
  • Dismissal of Conventional Motifs: The narrator disparages common literary devices like grief and metaphors of anguish, favoring positive descriptions.
  • Poetic Artistry: The application of diverse verse patterns and flow demonstrates the poet's mastery in composition, forming a graceful and captivating experience.
Wealthy The natural world's treasury (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I’l expend, to embellish
Thy charms, if your Mine of Delight
In equal gratitude
Thou but open, so we mutually bless.

This section summarizes the essential deal, where the author promises to use his artistic abilities to celebrate the maiden, in return for her willingness. This phraseology mixes devout hints with worldly longings, giving complexity to the verse's message.

Anthony Bell
Anthony Bell

A seasoned construction expert with over 15 years of experience in home renovations and sustainable building practices.