For a Lady Who Wished Me to Show Affection
Now you have freely given me consent to love,
How will you do?
Am I to your mirth, or ardor arouse,
Once I start to pursue;
Shall you distress, or disdain, or adore me too?
Every minor grace can scorn, and I
Despite your aversion
Lacking your leave can see, and die;
Grant a grander Fate!
’Tis easy to destroy, you could create.
Therefore allow me leave to cherish, & adore me too
Not with purpose
To uplift, as Love's cursed rebels act
While whining Bards whine,
Renown to their grace, from their tearful eyes.
Sorrow is a pool and shows not distinct
Your grace's rayes;
Delights are pure streams, your gaze seem
Gloomy in sadder layes,
Through cheerfull numbers they gleam brilliant with acclaim.
What shall not refer to express you lovely
Wounds, flames, and arrows,
Gales in your forehead, traps in your locks,
Corrupting all your attributes,
Either to deceive, or torture trapped souls.
I shall make your eyes like morning stars appear,
As soft, and fair;
One's countenance as Crystall polished, and clear,
Whereas your dishevelled hair
Shall stream like a serene Area of the Air.
Abundant Nature’s treasury (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I will use, to embellish
Your beauties, if your Mine of Delight
In equall gratitude
One but open, so we each other favor.
Exploring the Verse's Motifs
The work delves the relationship of affection and acclaim, in which the speaker speaks to a woman who desires his devotion. Rather, he suggests a mutual arrangement of poetic tribute for intimate favors. This language is elegant, combining courtly conventions with direct utterances of yearning.
Within the verses, the author rejects common themes of unrequited passion, like sorrow and tears, claiming they dim true charm. The speaker favors happiness and praise to highlight the maiden's attributes, assuring to depict her vision as shining orbs and her locks as drifting breeze. This approach highlights a practical yet clever view on relationships.
Key Aspects of the Composition
- Reciprocal Arrangement: The work centers on a suggestion of tribute in return for delight, highlighting parity between the individuals.
- Spurning of Traditional Ideas: The speaker condemns typical literary devices like sadness and similes of anguish, favoring upbeat descriptions.
- Creative Craftsmanship: The use of diverse line patterns and rhythm showcases the author's mastery in composition, producing a graceful and compelling text.
Rich Nature's treasury (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I’l spend, to adorn
One's charms, if your Mine of Delight
In equal thankfulness
One but release, so we each other favor.
The section captures the essential bargain, in which the author vows to utilize his artistic gifts to honor the lady, as compensation for her openness. The phraseology blends spiritual hints with physical yearnings, adding complexity to the verse's meaning.