To a Lady Who Wished I Would Love Her
Since you've granted me consent to love,
What shall you do?
Shall I your mirth, or ardor arouse,
Once I begin to pursue;
Will you torment, or mock, or love me too?
Every minor grace can reject, and I
In spite of your hate
Without your leave can see, and perish;
Bestow a grander Lot!
It is effortless to destroy, you can fashion.
Thus allow me consent to adore, & love me too
Lacking intent
To raise, as Affection's accursed insurgents behave
While whining Poets moan,
Fame to their charm, from their weeping eyes.
Sorrow is a puddle and reflects not clear
Your grace's beams;
Joys are pure streams, your gaze seem
Sullen in sadder songs,
In joyful lines they radiate bright with praise.
That will not mention to describe you lovely
Harms, blazes, and shafts,
Storms in your countenance, snares in your locks,
Suborning all your parts,
Or else to betray, or torture ensnared hearts.
I will make your eyes like morning stars appear,
Like gentle, and lovely;
Your countenance as glass polished, and transparent,
While your tousled hair
Will drift like a serene Region of the Air.
Rich Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I’l use, to adorn
One's beauties, if your Mine of Joy
Through matching thankfulness
Thou but unlock, so we each other favor.
Exploring the Work's Themes
This composition examines the dynamics of love and admiration, where the poet engages with a woman who requests his devotion. Rather, he proposes a mutual arrangement of poetic tribute for intimate favors. The phraseology is refined, blending polished norms with direct statements of yearning.
Through the verses, the author dismisses common tropes of unreturned passion, including sadness and lamentation, claiming they obscure true beauty. The speaker favors delight and admiration to showcase the maiden's features, promising to depict her gaze as shining orbs and her tresses as flowing air. The technique underscores a pragmatic yet artful view on bonds.
Significant Aspects of the Work
- Shared Exchange: The verse centers on a offer of admiration in exchange for delight, highlighting balance between the parties.
- Dismissal of Conventional Themes: The speaker disparages usual artistic techniques like grief and similes of pain, choosing positive descriptions.
- Artistic Artistry: The application of diverse meter patterns and flow demonstrates the poet's proficiency in poetry, creating a graceful and captivating experience.
Rich The natural world's hoard (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I shall expend, to dress
One's beauties, if your Wellspring of Joy
Through equal thankfulness
You but open, so we mutually grace.
This verse encapsulates the core bargain, in which the writer vows to employ his inventive abilities to honor the woman, in return for her openness. This phraseology mixes pious overtones with earthly yearnings, adding profundity to the verse's message.