For a Lady That Wished Me to Show Affection
Given that you freely given me consent to love,
What shall you respond?
Will I your delight, or emotion arouse,
As I start to woo;
Shall you trouble, or mock, or adore me too?
All trivial beauty can disdain, and I
Spight of your hate
Without your permission can perceive, and succumb;
Grant a nobler Destiny!
It's simple to ruin, you could form.
Then give me leave to love, & love me too
Without intent
To elevate, as Loves damned rebels do
When whining Versifiers whine,
Fame to their beauty, from their blubber’d eyes.
Grief is a pond and shows not clear
Your charm's beams;
Joys are pure streams, your vision appear
Morose in sadder verses,
In happy numbers they radiate brilliant with praise.
That will not allude to express you fayr
Injuries, flames, and shafts,
Storms in your forehead, snares in your hayr,
Suborning all your attributes,
Or else to betray, or torment captive affections.
I will cause your eyes like dawn suns look,
Like gentle, and fayr;
Your forehead as Crystall smooth, and clear,
Whereas your unkempt hayr
Shall stream like a tranquil Region of the Atmosphere.
Wealthy The natural world's hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I will expend, to dress
Your graces, if your Mine of Joy
In equall gratitude
One but unlock, so we mutually bless.
Examining the Verse's Themes
This composition explores the relationship of passion and admiration, as the poet addresses a maiden who seeks his devotion. Instead, he proposes a mutual arrangement of literary admiration for private favors. This language is graceful, mixing refined norms with candid statements of desire.
Through the verses, the writer rejects common motifs of unrequited affection, such as sorrow and tears, stating they cloud true beauty. He prefers happiness and praise to emphasize the woman's features, assuring to portray her vision as bright stars and her tresses as streaming air. This technique underscores a practical yet artful view on bonds.
Key Components of the Work
- Shared Agreement: The verse revolves on a proposal of praise in return for delight, stressing parity between the individuals.
- Rejection of Conventional Motifs: The poet disparages usual artistic tools like sorrow and imagery of suffering, preferring upbeat imagery.
- Creative Craftsmanship: The use of varied verse patterns and rhythm displays the writer's mastery in poetry, forming a graceful and compelling text.
Wealthy Nature's treasury (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I’l spend, to adorn
Thy beauties, if your Source of Joy
Through equall thankfulness
One but unlock, so we mutually favor.
This verse summarizes the core arrangement, in which the author pledges to use his inventive abilities to honor the maiden, in return for her willingness. This wording blends spiritual undertones with worldly desires, giving complexity to the poem's message.