Addressing a Lady That Wished I Would Love Her

Since you've bestowed me consent to love,
What will you act?
Will I your mirth, or emotion stir,
As I commence pursue;
Do you distress, or mock, or cherish me too?

All trivial beauty can scorn, and I
Spight of your dislike
Without your consent can observe, and die;
Grant a grander Fate!
It's simple to demolish, you can create.

Then grant me permission to love, & cherish me too
Not with purpose
To elevate, as Loves damned rebels do
When complaining Versifiers moan,
Renown to their charm, from their weeping eyne.

Sorrow is a pond and mirrors not clear
Your grace's rayes;
Joys are untainted streames, your eyes look
Morose in more sorrowful verses,
Within cheerfull numbers they radiate bright with acclaim.

What will not allude to portray you lovely
Harms, flames, and shafts,
Tempests in your brow, nets in your hayr,
Suborning all your features,
Either to betray, or torment captive souls.

I’ll make your eyes like morning stars look,
Just as gentle, and lovely;
One's countenance as crystal smooth, and pure,
While your dishevelled locks
Will drift like a calm Zone of the Air.

Wealthy The natural world's treasury (which is the Poet’s Riches)
I will expend, to adorn
One's charms, if your Mine of Delight
With equall gratitude
You but open, so we one another grace.

Examining the Poem's Ideas

The work explores the dynamics of affection and acclaim, where the speaker addresses a lady who seeks his love. Instead, he suggests a reciprocal exchange of literary praise for intimate favors. This phraseology is refined, blending courtly conventions with direct statements of longing.

In the verses, the writer dismisses usual themes of unreturned passion, like grief and tears, stating they dim true beauty. He favors happiness and praise to showcase the maiden's qualities, promising to render her gaze as shining suns and her locks as drifting atmosphere. The technique emphasizes a pragmatic yet artful view on relationships.

Significant Components of the Work

• Mutual Exchange: The poem focuses on a suggestion of admiration in trade for delight, emphasizing parity between the persons.
• Dismissal of Traditional Themes: The narrator condemns typical artistic devices like sorrow and imagery of suffering, preferring optimistic depictions.
• Creative Artistry: The application of mixed verse lengths and flow showcases the writer's proficiency in poetry, creating a graceful and captivating text.

Wealthy Nature's treasury (which is the Writer's Riches)
I shall expend, to adorn
Your beauties, if your Mine of Pleasure
Through matching gratitude
One but open, so we one another bless.

This verse encapsulates the essential bargain, as the writer promises to utilize his inventive abilities to honor the lady, as compensation for her openness. This wording mixes spiritual undertones with worldly desires, providing profundity to the poem's message.