For a Lady That Wished Me to Love Her

Now you have granted me leave to love,
What will you do?
Am I to your joy, or passion stir,
When I begin to woo;
Do you torment, or scorn, or adore me too?

Every minor charm can disdain, and I
In spite of your hate
Lacking your consent can see, and die;
Bestow a grander Lot!
It is effortless to destroy, you may fashion.

Thus grant me consent to love, & cherish me too
Without purpose
To uplift, as Loves accursed insurgents behave
As complaining Bards moan,
Fame to their charm, from their weeping gaze.

Sadness is a puddle and reflects not clear
Thy charm's rayes;
Joyes are untainted currents, your vision seem
Morose in more sorrowful songs,
Through joyful verses they shine luminous with praise.

Which will not mention to describe you lovely
Injuries, fires, and shafts,
Storms in your countenance, traps in your hair,
Bribing all your parts,
Or to deceive, or afflict ensnared affections.

I will make your gaze like morning orbs appear,
Just as mild, and lovely;
One's brow as Crystall polished, and pure,
And your unkempt hayr
Will flow like a serene Area of the Air.

Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I will spend, to dress
Your graces, if your Source of Joy
Through equall gratitude
One but unlock, so we each other bless.

Examining the Work's Themes

This work explores the interplay of passion and praise, as the narrator engages with a maiden who seeks his affection. Rather, he suggests a shared exchange of artistic tribute for intimate favors. This language is refined, combining refined conventions with candid statements of longing.

In the stanzas, the author spurns typical motifs of one-sided love, like sadness and tears, claiming they cloud true beauty. He favors joy and admiration to highlight the lady's qualities, vowing to render her vision as radiant orbs and her tresses as flowing breeze. The approach underscores a practical yet skillful outlook on relationships.

Key Elements of the Composition

  • Mutual Agreement: The work revolves on a offer of admiration in trade for pleasure, emphasizing equality between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Standard Themes: The narrator disparages common artistic devices like grief and metaphors of anguish, favoring positive imagery.
  • Creative Craftsmanship: The application of varied line patterns and cadence showcases the poet's proficiency in verse, creating a graceful and captivating text.
Abundant Nature's store (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I will expend, to embellish
Thy beauties, if your Wellspring of Joy
Through equall gratitude
You but open, so we mutually grace.

The section captures the essential arrangement, as the poet vows to employ his creative gifts to honor the woman, as compensation for her openness. This phraseology mixes pious overtones with earthly desires, adding profundity to the poem's message.

James Reed
James Reed

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and sharing actionable insights.