For a Lady That Desired Me to Show Affection

Given that you granted me leave to love,
What will you respond?
Am I to your delight, or emotion move,
When I begin to woo;
Do you torment, or disdain, or cherish me too?

Each petty charm can scorn, and I
Despite your hate
Lacking your consent can observe, and die;
Dispense a nobler Lot!
It is effortless to destroy, you may create.

Then grant me permission to adore, & love me too
Without intent
To uplift, as Affection's damned defiers do
As puling Versifiers lament,
Renown to their beauty, from their blubber’d eyne.

Sorrow is a pond and mirrors not bright
Your grace's rayes;
Joyes are pure currents, your vision look
Morose in gloomier layes,
Through happy lines they gleam bright with acclaim.

What will not mention to portray you lovely
Injuries, fires, and shafts,
Storms in your countenance, snares in your hair,
Suborning all your attributes,
Or to trick, or torment ensnared hearts.

I shall render your eyes like sunrise orbs appear,
As mild, and fayr;
One's brow as Crystall even, and clear,
And your tousled locks
May flow like a calm Region of the Air.

Abundant Nature's treasury (which is the Writer's Riches)
I will expend, to adorn
Thy beauties, if your Source of Pleasure
With equall gratitude
One but unlock, so we each other favor.

Delving into the Work's Themes

This composition explores the dynamics of affection and admiration, in which the narrator addresses a lady who seeks his devotion. Conversely, he offers a mutual agreement of literary tribute for private delights. The wording is graceful, mixing refined traditions with candid utterances of yearning.

Through the stanzas, the writer dismisses typical themes of unreturned love, like sadness and weeping, claiming they cloud true beauty. He chooses delight and acclaim to highlight the lady's attributes, vowing to render her eyes as bright suns and her tresses as drifting air. This approach highlights a pragmatic yet clever perspective on connections.

Important Elements of the Composition

  • Reciprocal Exchange: The poem centers on a offer of tribute in return for pleasure, highlighting parity between the individuals.
  • Rejection of Conventional Themes: The poet disparages usual artistic devices like sadness and similes of anguish, preferring positive descriptions.
  • Creative Artistry: The application of mixed line measures and cadence demonstrates the poet's expertise in poetry, producing a smooth and captivating experience.
Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I shall spend, to embellish
Thy beauties, if your Source of Delight
With matching appreciation
You but unlock, so we mutually favor.

The stanza encapsulates the central arrangement, as the writer vows to employ his artistic talents to celebrate the woman, in exchange for her willingness. The phraseology blends pious overtones with earthly longings, giving depth to the verse's theme.

Andrea Richards
Andrea Richards

A passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in reviewing and analyzing video games for various platforms.