Addressing a Lady That Wished I Would Love Her

Given that you freely given me leave to love,
How will you respond?
Shall I your delight, or ardor move,
As I commence woo;
Do you trouble, or mock, or love me too?

Every minor grace can scorn, and I
Despite your hate
Absent your leave can perceive, and succumb;
Dispense a nobler Lot!
It's simple to demolish, you may fashion.

Thus give me leave to love, & cherish me too
Not with design
To uplift, as Affection's accursed rebels act
When puling Bards lament,
Fame to their beauty, from their blubber’d eyne.

Sorrow is a pool and mirrors not clear
Your charm's lights;
Joyes are clear currents, your vision appear
Morose in more sorrowful verses,
Within happy lines they gleam bright with prayse.

What shall not mention to describe you lovely
Injuries, blazes, and darts,
Gales in your forehead, snares in your hair,
Corrupting all your attributes,
Or to deceive, or torment ensnared hearts.

I shall cause your vision like sunrise suns look,
As gentle, and fayr;
Thy countenance as crystal even, and clear,
And your unkempt hayr
Will stream like a tranquil Area of the Atmosphere.

Wealthy The natural world's treasury (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I will use, to dress
One's graces, if your Mine of Delight
In equall thankfulness
You but open, so we mutually grace.

Examining the Poem's Motifs

The piece explores the dynamics of affection and acclaim, in which the poet speaks to a maiden who seeks his love. Instead, he proposes a reciprocal arrangement of literary admiration for private pleasures. This language is graceful, combining courtly norms with frank expressions of yearning.

Within the stanzas, the author dismisses typical tropes of one-sided love, such as sadness and tears, stating they cloud true grace. He chooses joy and praise to showcase the maiden's features, promising to depict her vision as bright orbs and her tresses as streaming air. The technique highlights a practical yet clever perspective on bonds.

Key Components of the Piece

  • Reciprocal Arrangement: The verse revolves on a suggestion of tribute in return for pleasure, highlighting parity between the parties.
  • Rejection of Traditional Ideas: The poet criticizes typical literary tools like grief and imagery of anguish, preferring optimistic descriptions.
  • Poetic Craftsmanship: The use of mixed meter measures and rhythm showcases the poet's expertise in poetry, producing a fluid and engaging experience.
Rich Nature's store (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I shall use, to embellish
Your beauties, if your Wellspring of Joy
In equal gratitude
Thou but open, so we mutually favor.

This stanza captures the core bargain, as the poet vows to utilize his inventive gifts to honor the maiden, as compensation for her receptiveness. The wording mixes pious undertones with worldly yearnings, adding complexity to the poem's message.

James Lane
James Lane

A passionate travel writer and photographer based in Venice, sharing local insights and adventures.