Addressing a Lady Who Requested Me to Love Her

Now you have freely given me consent to love,
What will you respond?
Will I your delight, or passion arouse,
Once I commence pursue;
Do you torment, or disdain, or adore me too?

Each petty grace can disdain, and I
Despite your hate
Lacking your consent can perceive, and die;
Grant a grander Lot!
’Tis easy to ruin, you may fashion.

Therefore allow me permission to adore, & cherish me too
Without purpose
To elevate, as Loves damned defiers act
When whining Poets lament,
Fame to their charm, from their blubber’d gaze.

Sadness is a pool and shows not clear
One's grace's rayes;
Delights are clear streames, your vision seem
Sullen in sadder layes,
In cheerfull numbers they gleam luminous with praise.

What shall not refer to express you fair
Harms, fires, and darts,
Tempests in your forehead, snares in your hair,
Bribing all your attributes,
Either to trick, or afflict trapped affections.

I’ll make your gaze like morning orbs seem,
As mild, and lovely;
Thy countenance as glass even, and pure,
While your tousled hayr
Shall drift like a serene Region of the Ayr.

Abundant The natural world's hoard (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I’l use, to adorn
Your graces, if your Mine of Delight
In matching appreciation
One but unlock, so we one another grace.

Examining the Verse's Motifs

The piece delves the relationship of passion and admiration, as the poet speaks to a maiden who desires his love. Instead, he proposes a shared exchange of poetic tribute for intimate favors. The wording is elegant, blending refined conventions with candid statements of desire.

Within the verses, the writer spurns common themes of unrequited affection, including sorrow and tears, stating they cloud true beauty. The speaker favors happiness and admiration to showcase the maiden's qualities, assuring to depict her eyes as bright orbs and her hair as flowing breeze. This approach underscores a realistic yet clever outlook on bonds.

Significant Aspects of the Composition

  • Reciprocal Exchange: The verse revolves on a proposal of praise in exchange for enjoyment, emphasizing equality between the parties.
  • Rejection of Conventional Ideas: The poet criticizes typical literary devices like sorrow and similes of anguish, favoring optimistic descriptions.
  • Creative Artistry: The use of varied meter measures and rhythm demonstrates the writer's mastery in composition, forming a smooth and engaging experience.
Rich Nature’s hoard (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I shall use, to dress
One's charms, if your Source of Joy
In matching appreciation
You but release, so we each other favor.

The verse summarizes the central deal, where the poet promises to employ his artistic talents to celebrate the lady, as compensation for her receptiveness. The phraseology blends pious hints with earthly yearnings, providing depth to the verse's theme.

Elizabeth Byrd
Elizabeth Byrd

Experienced journalist specializing in Central European affairs and digital media trends.