To a Lady Who Desired Me to Love Her

Now you have bestowed me permission to love,
How will you act?
Will I your joy, or emotion arouse,
As I start to court;
Do you distress, or disdain, or love me too?

Each petty grace can reject, and I
In spite of your hate
Absent your leave can observe, and succumb;
Dispense a loftier Fate!
It's simple to demolish, you can fashion.

Then give me permission to love, & adore me too
Not with purpose
To elevate, as Love's cursed defiers behave
While complaining Versifiers moan,
Acclaim to their charm, from their tearful eyes.

Sadness is a pool and shows not distinct
Thy grace's beams;
Joys are clear streames, your gaze look
Morose in gloomier layes,
In happy numbers they shine brilliant with prayse.

Which will not allude to express you fayr
Harms, fires, and shafts,
Storms in your brow, traps in your hayr,
Suborning all your features,
Or else to trick, or afflict captive affections.

I’ll cause your gaze like dawn suns appear,
Like soft, and fair;
Thy brow as crystal even, and clear,
And your unkempt locks
Shall stream like a calm Area of the Air.

Wealthy Nature’s treasury (which is the Poet’s Riches)
I will use, to embellish
One's charms, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
In equal appreciation
You but unlock, so we each other grace.

Examining the Work's Motifs

The work examines the relationship of love and admiration, as the poet speaks to a lady who requests his affection. Instead, he offers a mutual arrangement of literary admiration for personal delights. This language is elegant, blending courtly norms with frank utterances of desire.

In the stanzas, the writer dismisses common themes of one-sided passion, like sorrow and tears, claiming they obscure true grace. The speaker chooses happiness and acclaim to highlight the maiden's attributes, promising to portray her gaze as shining orbs and her locks as drifting atmosphere. This method emphasizes a realistic yet skillful outlook on bonds.

Key Components of the Piece

  • Mutual Agreement: The poem focuses on a offer of praise in trade for pleasure, stressing balance between the parties.
  • Dismissal of Traditional Motifs: The poet disparages usual poetic techniques like sorrow and imagery of anguish, favoring upbeat descriptions.
  • Poetic Artistry: The use of varied verse measures and rhythm showcases the author's expertise in verse, producing a graceful and compelling read.
Rich Nature's hoard (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I will expend, to embellish
One's beauties, if your Source of Joy
In equal gratitude
You but release, so we one another favor.

This section encapsulates the central arrangement, as the author promises to use his creative talents to celebrate the maiden, in exchange for her willingness. The phraseology blends devout hints with physical longings, adding profundity to the verse's message.

Chelsea Vance
Chelsea Vance

A Dubai-based travel writer and luxury lifestyle expert with a passion for uncovering hidden gems and sharing authentic experiences.