To a Lady Who Requested I Would Show Affection
Since you've freely given me leave to love,
How will you do?
Will I your mirth, or emotion move,
Once I begin to pursue;
Do you distress, or disdain, or cherish me too?
Each petty grace can disdain, and I
Despite your hate
Absent your consent can perceive, and die;
Bestow a nobler Destiny!
It's simple to destroy, you can create.
Thus allow me leave to cherish, & love me too
Without intent
To raise, as Love's accursed rebels behave
When whining Poets whine,
Fame to their beauty, from their tearful eyes.
Grief is a puddle and reflects not clear
Thy charm's rayes;
Delights are pure currents, your gaze appear
Sullen in more sorrowful songs,
Within joyful lines they radiate bright with praise.
That may not refer to express you fayr
Wounds, flames, and darts,
Storms in your forehead, nets in your locks,
Corrupting all your features,
Or else to betray, or afflict captive hearts.
I shall make your eyes like dawn stars seem,
Just as soft, and fayr;
One's brow as Crystall even, and pure,
Whereas your dishevelled hayr
May drift like a serene Zone of the Atmosphere.
Wealthy Nature’s store (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I will use, to embellish
One's beauties, if your Wellspring of Joy
In equal appreciation
You but release, so we mutually bless.
Examining the Poem's Ideas
This work delves the relationship of affection and praise, as the poet engages with a maiden who requests his love. Rather, he offers a mutual arrangement of literary tribute for intimate favors. The wording is elegant, combining refined conventions with frank expressions of yearning.
Through the stanzas, the writer rejects common tropes of unreturned passion, like sadness and tears, stating they obscure true beauty. The speaker chooses joy and acclaim to emphasize the woman's features, assuring to portray her vision as bright suns and her hair as flowing air. The technique underscores a realistic yet artful view on relationships.
Significant Components of the Piece
- Reciprocal Arrangement: The poem revolves on a proposal of tribute in exchange for delight, highlighting equality between the persons.
- Spurning of Conventional Motifs: The poet condemns common poetic techniques like grief and imagery of pain, choosing optimistic descriptions.
- Poetic Artistry: The employment of diverse line measures and rhythm displays the writer's mastery in verse, producing a smooth and captivating read.
Rich Nature's store (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I shall spend, to dress
One's beauties, if your Source of Delight
Through equall gratitude
You but open, so we each other bless.
This section captures the central bargain, in which the writer promises to use his creative talents to honor the maiden, in return for her openness. The wording blends pious hints with earthly desires, providing complexity to the poem's message.