For a Lady That Desired Me to Love Her

Since you've bestowed me consent to love,
What shall you respond?
Shall I your joy, or ardor stir,
When I commence court;
Will you distress, or mock, or adore me too?

Each petty charm can scorn, and I
In spite of your hate
Absent your consent can perceive, and die;
Bestow a loftier Fate!
It is effortless to ruin, you may fashion.

Then allow me consent to cherish, & adore me too
Not with purpose
To raise, as Affection's accursed rebels act
When whining Poets moan,
Renown to their beauty, from their tearful eyes.

Sadness is a pond and mirrors not clear
One's grace's lights;
Joyes are pure currents, your vision seem
Morose in gloomier songs,
Through cheerfull verses they shine bright with praise.

Which may not refer to portray you fair
Wounds, blazes, and arrows,
Tempests in your countenance, traps in your hair,
Bribing all your parts,
Or else to deceive, or afflict captive affections.

I shall make your gaze like sunrise suns look,
Like mild, and fayr;
Thy forehead as Crystall smooth, and pure,
And your tousled hair
May drift like a calm Zone of the Air.

Wealthy Nature’s store (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I will use, to embellish
Your charms, if your Wellspring of Delight
In equall gratitude
Thou but open, so we mutually favor.

Examining the Work's Themes

This composition delves the dynamics of affection and praise, where the poet addresses a lady who requests his devotion. Rather, he suggests a shared agreement of literary tribute for personal pleasures. The phraseology is graceful, combining courtly conventions with direct statements of desire.

In the lines, the writer dismisses common themes of one-sided passion, including sadness and lamentation, arguing they obscure true beauty. The speaker favors joy and admiration to highlight the woman's attributes, assuring to depict her gaze as radiant suns and her locks as drifting atmosphere. This approach underscores a realistic yet skillful view on connections.

Key Aspects of the Piece

  • Shared Arrangement: The verse focuses on a proposal of praise in return for enjoyment, emphasizing equality between the parties.
  • Dismissal of Standard Ideas: The narrator disparages usual artistic devices like sorrow and imagery of suffering, choosing optimistic imagery.
  • Creative Artistry: The application of varied verse patterns and rhythm showcases the writer's mastery in composition, creating a smooth and engaging text.
Rich The natural world's store (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I will expend, to embellish
One's charms, if your Source of Delight
With equal thankfulness
Thou but release, so we one another favor.

The section summarizes the central bargain, in which the author vows to employ his artistic abilities to celebrate the maiden, in return for her receptiveness. This phraseology blends spiritual undertones with earthly desires, giving profundity to the work's meaning.

Sergio Parks
Sergio Parks

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to helping others achieve their full potential through actionable advice.