For a Lady Who Requested Me to Love Her

Since you've bestowed me leave to love,
What shall you act?
Shall I your delight, or ardor move,
When I commence pursue;
Will you torment, or scorn, or adore me too?

Each petty grace can scorn, and I
Despite your hate
Lacking your permission can see, and die;
Grant a grander Fate!
’Tis easy to demolish, you could fashion.

Then give me consent to cherish, & cherish me too
Not with intent
To raise, as Affection's cursed rebels act
While complaining Bards whine,
Acclaim to their grace, from their blubber’d eyne.

Sorrow is a pond and reflects not clear
Your grace's rayes;
Joys are clear streames, your gaze appear
Morose in more sorrowful verses,
Through cheerfull verses they shine brilliant with praise.

Which will not refer to portray you fair
Wounds, flames, and shafts,
Storms in your forehead, nets in your hair,
Suborning all your parts,
Either to deceive, or torture trapped souls.

I’ll make your eyes like morning stars seem,
As gentle, and fayr;
Your brow as Crystall polished, and pure,
And your tousled hair
Shall drift like a tranquil Region of the Air.

Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Poet’s Riches)
I’l expend, to adorn
Thy charms, if your Source of Pleasure
In matching thankfulness
One but unlock, so we mutually favor.

Delving into the Work's Motifs

The work examines the relationship of love and acclaim, in which the speaker engages with a maiden who seeks his devotion. Conversely, he offers a reciprocal agreement of poetic praise for intimate pleasures. The language is refined, blending courtly norms with direct statements of yearning.

Within the lines, the poet dismisses usual motifs of one-sided affection, such as sorrow and tears, claiming they obscure true grace. He prefers joy and admiration to showcase the lady's qualities, assuring to portray her vision as shining suns and her hair as drifting air. The approach highlights a practical yet skillful perspective on relationships.

Important Components of the Composition

  • Mutual Agreement: The work centers on a proposal of admiration in trade for enjoyment, stressing equality between the persons.
  • Rejection of Conventional Themes: The speaker disparages usual artistic techniques like grief and metaphors of suffering, preferring upbeat descriptions.
  • Artistic Craftsmanship: The employment of mixed verse lengths and flow showcases the writer's expertise in poetry, producing a smooth and captivating text.
Abundant Nature's store (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I shall spend, to embellish
Your graces, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
With matching appreciation
One but unlock, so we one another favor.

This verse captures the central deal, in which the poet vows to employ his artistic talents to celebrate the woman, in exchange for her openness. The wording combines devout undertones with worldly yearnings, giving depth to the poem's meaning.

David Woods
David Woods

A seasoned writer with a passion for storytelling and cultural analysis, bringing unique insights to every piece.