Addressing a Lady That Requested Me to Love Her
Since you've freely given me leave to love,
How will you respond?
Am I to your joy, or passion arouse,
As I commence pursue;
Will you torment, or mock, or adore me too?
Each petty charm can disdain, and I
Despite your hate
Lacking your permission can perceive, and die;
Dispense a grander Lot!
It is effortless to destroy, you can create.
Therefore give me permission to love, & love me too
Without design
To uplift, as Loves accursed rebels do
As complaining Bards whine,
Fame to their charm, from their weeping eyes.
Grief is a puddle and shows not bright
One's beauty’s beams;
Delights are untainted streams, your eyes look
Morose in more sorrowful verses,
In joyful lines they gleam luminous with praise.
Which will not mention to express you lovely
Injuries, blazes, and darts,
Storms in your brow, snares in your locks,
Suborning all your features,
Either to betray, or torture trapped affections.
I shall cause your vision like sunrise suns appear,
Just as soft, and lovely;
Your brow as Crystall even, and pure,
While your unkempt locks
Will stream like a serene Zone of the Air.
Abundant Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I will expend, to adorn
One's beauties, if your Mine of Delight
With equal thankfulness
You but release, so we mutually bless.
Delving into the Poem's Ideas
This work examines the dynamics of passion and admiration, in which the speaker speaks to a lady who requests his affection. Instead, he proposes a mutual agreement of poetic tribute for private pleasures. This phraseology is graceful, combining polished traditions with frank statements of yearning.
Within the lines, the writer rejects usual tropes of unrequited affection, including grief and tears, claiming they cloud true beauty. He prefers delight and admiration to emphasize the woman's features, promising to render her vision as radiant orbs and her hair as drifting air. The approach underscores a pragmatic yet skillful view on connections.
Significant Elements of the Piece
- Reciprocal Agreement: The poem focuses on a proposal of tribute in exchange for enjoyment, highlighting balance between the parties.
- Rejection of Traditional Motifs: The poet disparages typical artistic devices like grief and metaphors of anguish, choosing optimistic imagery.
- Artistic Skill: The use of mixed meter patterns and rhythm demonstrates the writer's expertise in verse, creating a fluid and captivating read.
Abundant The natural world's hoard (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I shall spend, to dress
Thy beauties, if your Mine of Pleasure
With equal thankfulness
Thou but release, so we one another bless.
The section captures the essential bargain, as the poet pledges to employ his inventive talents to celebrate the lady, in exchange for her receptiveness. The phraseology combines spiritual hints with physical desires, adding depth to the poem's meaning.