To a Lady Who Requested Me to Show Affection

Since you've freely given me permission to love,
What will you do?
Shall I your delight, or passion arouse,
As I begin to court;
Shall you torment, or mock, or adore me too?

Each petty grace can reject, and I
Despite your aversion
Lacking your permission can perceive, and succumb;
Grant a nobler Destiny!
It's simple to ruin, you could fashion.

Therefore allow me consent to adore, & cherish me too
Lacking intent
To uplift, as Loves cursed insurgents behave
While whining Bards moan,
Fame to their beauty, from their tearful gaze.

Sorrow is a pond and mirrors not clear
Your charm's lights;
Delights are untainted streams, your gaze seem
Gloomy in sadder songs,
Within happy numbers they gleam brilliant with prayse.

Which will not refer to describe you fair
Wounds, flames, and arrows,
Storms in your countenance, traps in your locks,
Bribing all your attributes,
Either to betray, or torment captive souls.

I shall cause your eyes like sunrise orbs seem,
As soft, and fair;
Thy countenance as crystal smooth, and pure,
While your unkempt hair
Shall flow like a tranquil Area of the Atmosphere.

Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I will use, to adorn
One's graces, if your Mine of Delight
In matching thankfulness
You but unlock, so we mutually bless.

Delving into the Poem's Themes

The piece explores the interplay of love and acclaim, as the speaker speaks to a maiden who requests his love. Rather, he proposes a shared agreement of poetic tribute for private delights. The wording is refined, combining refined norms with direct expressions of yearning.

In the lines, the poet rejects typical themes of one-sided passion, like sadness and weeping, stating they cloud true beauty. The speaker favors happiness and praise to emphasize the lady's features, promising to portray her eyes as shining orbs and her tresses as flowing atmosphere. This approach emphasizes a practical yet clever perspective on bonds.

Key Elements of the Piece

  • Reciprocal Arrangement: The work revolves on a offer of praise in exchange for delight, emphasizing equality between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Conventional Themes: The poet criticizes common literary tools like sorrow and imagery of anguish, favoring optimistic imagery.
  • Artistic Craftsmanship: The use of diverse meter lengths and rhythm displays the author's expertise in verse, forming a smooth and compelling experience.
Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I shall expend, to dress
Your graces, if your Mine of Joy
In equall gratitude
Thou but release, so we one another grace.

This verse encapsulates the central deal, as the writer promises to utilize his inventive abilities to celebrate the lady, in exchange for her openness. This phraseology combines pious undertones with worldly longings, adding depth to the poem's meaning.

Nicole Cooper
Nicole Cooper

Tech enthusiast and AI researcher with a passion for exploring how innovation shapes our future.