For a Lady That Wished Me to Love Her
Now you have bestowed me permission to love,
What shall you do?
Am I to your delight, or ardor arouse,
Once I commence court;
Will you distress, or disdain, or love me too?
Every minor grace can scorn, and I
Spight of your aversion
Lacking your leave can perceive, and perish;
Dispense a loftier Lot!
It's simple to destroy, you can create.
Therefore allow me leave to love, & love me too
Not with intent
To raise, as Affection's cursed defiers behave
While complaining Versifiers moan,
Fame to their beauty, from their tearful eyne.
Sadness is a puddle and mirrors not distinct
One's beauty’s lights;
Delights are clear streames, your vision seem
Gloomy in more sorrowful songs,
Within cheerfull lines they gleam bright with prayse.
Which will not refer to express you fair
Harms, fires, and darts,
Storms in your countenance, snares in your hair,
Suborning all your features,
Either to deceive, or afflict captive souls.
I shall render your eyes like dawn suns seem,
As soft, and lovely;
Your forehead as Crystall smooth, and pure,
Whereas your unkempt hayr
Will drift like a tranquil Region of the Air.
Abundant Nature’s treasury (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I shall expend, to dress
Thy beauties, if your Source of Joy
With equal thankfulness
One but open, so we mutually favor.
Examining the Verse's Motifs
This piece explores the relationship of affection and praise, where the narrator engages with a woman who seeks his love. Conversely, he suggests a reciprocal agreement of literary admiration for personal pleasures. This language is refined, combining polished norms with candid utterances of longing.
In the lines, the writer dismisses typical motifs of unrequited affection, like sorrow and weeping, stating they obscure true charm. The speaker prefers happiness and admiration to showcase the woman's qualities, vowing to render her eyes as radiant stars and her tresses as streaming atmosphere. This method underscores a realistic yet artful perspective on relationships.
Key Components of the Piece
- Shared Exchange: The verse focuses on a suggestion of tribute in exchange for enjoyment, highlighting equality between the individuals.
- Dismissal of Conventional Ideas: The speaker criticizes typical artistic devices like grief and similes of pain, preferring optimistic imagery.
- Artistic Artistry: The use of varied meter measures and flow demonstrates the poet's mastery in composition, creating a smooth and compelling text.
Rich Nature’s store (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I will use, to embellish
Thy beauties, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
In equall gratitude
You but release, so we each other grace.
This verse summarizes the central bargain, where the author vows to employ his artistic gifts to honor the maiden, in exchange for her receptiveness. The phraseology combines spiritual hints with earthly yearnings, providing profundity to the work's theme.