Addressing a Lady Who Desired Me to Love Her

Given that you freely given me consent to love,
What will you act?
Will I your mirth, or ardor move,
As I commence court;
Do you distress, or mock, or adore me too?

Each petty beauty can scorn, and I
Despite your aversion
Lacking your permission can see, and succumb;
Grant a loftier Fate!
It's simple to ruin, you may create.

Therefore allow me leave to cherish, & love me too
Without intent
To raise, as Love's damned insurgents behave
While whining Bards lament,
Fame to their charm, from their tearful eyes.

Sorrow is a pool and mirrors not distinct
One's charm's lights;
Joys are pure streams, your eyes appear
Sullen in sadder verses,
Through cheerfull verses they radiate luminous with praise.

What may not mention to describe you fair
Injuries, blazes, and darts,
Storms in your forehead, snares in your hair,
Suborning all your parts,
Or else to betray, or torment captive hearts.

I will render your eyes like dawn suns look,
As soft, and lovely;
One's countenance as Crystall polished, and clear,
While your tousled hair
Shall stream like a serene Region of the Air.

Rich Nature's store (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I’l spend, to dress
Your graces, if your Mine of Pleasure
Through matching appreciation
One but release, so we each other favor.

Delving into the Poem's Motifs

This work examines the interplay of passion and acclaim, where the narrator addresses a maiden who desires his affection. Rather, he suggests a reciprocal arrangement of literary praise for personal favors. This wording is graceful, mixing courtly conventions with frank utterances of yearning.

In the stanzas, the poet spurns typical themes of one-sided love, like grief and tears, claiming they obscure true grace. He chooses happiness and admiration to highlight the maiden's features, promising to depict her gaze as shining orbs and her tresses as streaming air. This method underscores a practical yet artful perspective on bonds.

Significant Components of the Work

• Shared Exchange: The poem centers on a proposal of tribute in trade for delight, highlighting equality between the individuals.
• Rejection of Standard Motifs: The narrator criticizes usual literary devices like sorrow and imagery of anguish, choosing optimistic imagery.
• Creative Artistry: The use of mixed meter patterns and rhythm demonstrates the poet's expertise in composition, creating a graceful and engaging read.

Rich Nature's treasury (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I’l use, to adorn
One's charms, if your Mine of Joy
Through equal gratitude
Thou but unlock, so we each other bless.

The verse captures the core arrangement, where the writer pledges to employ his inventive gifts to praise the lady, in exchange for her receptiveness. The wording blends devout overtones with worldly yearnings, adding depth to the work's message.