For a Lady Who Requested I Would Love Her

Since you've freely given me permission to love,
How will you respond?
Will I your mirth, or passion move,
As I commence court;
Do you trouble, or mock, or love me too?

All trivial charm can disdain, and I
In spite of your hate
Without your leave can perceive, and die;
Dispense a grander Lot!
’Tis easy to destroy, you could create.

Thus give me consent to adore, & adore me too
Not with purpose
To raise, as Affection's cursed defiers act
As complaining Poets moan,
Fame to their beauty, from their weeping eyes.

Sorrow is a puddle and reflects not bright
Thy beauty’s lights;
Joys are untainted currents, your eyes appear
Sullen in more sorrowful verses,
Through happy verses they gleam brilliant with prayse.

Which may not allude to describe you fair
Wounds, blazes, and arrows,
Gales in your brow, snares in your hayr,
Suborning all your attributes,
Or to betray, or torture trapped souls.

I will render your gaze like morning stars seem,
Just as mild, and fayr;
One's forehead as crystal polished, and pure,
While your dishevelled locks
May flow like a calm Zone of the Ayr.

Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I shall spend, to dress
Your beauties, if your Wellspring of Delight
In matching thankfulness
Thou but unlock, so we one another grace.

Delving into the Poem's Motifs

This composition explores the relationship of passion and acclaim, where the speaker speaks to a maiden who desires his affection. Conversely, he suggests a reciprocal agreement of artistic praise for private pleasures. This language is elegant, mixing refined conventions with direct expressions of desire.

Through the verses, the author spurns common tropes of one-sided affection, including sadness and tears, stating they dim true beauty. The speaker chooses joy and praise to highlight the lady's attributes, vowing to portray her gaze as bright orbs and her locks as drifting atmosphere. This technique highlights a realistic yet skillful view on bonds.

Key Elements of the Work

  • Reciprocal Exchange: The work focuses on a suggestion of admiration in return for enjoyment, stressing balance between the parties.
  • Dismissal of Standard Motifs: The narrator disparages usual literary techniques like sadness and similes of pain, preferring positive imagery.
  • Creative Craftsmanship: The use of mixed verse patterns and cadence showcases the poet's expertise in poetry, forming a graceful and engaging experience.
Rich Nature's hoard (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I’l use, to embellish
Your charms, if your Mine of Joy
With matching gratitude
One but open, so we each other bless.

This verse encapsulates the central bargain, in which the author vows to utilize his inventive gifts to celebrate the woman, in return for her willingness. This language mixes spiritual hints with worldly longings, giving depth to the work's theme.

Stephanie Taylor
Stephanie Taylor

A passionate community builder and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in fostering online engagement and digital conversations.