Addressing a Lady That Wished Me to Show Affection
Since you've granted me leave to love,
What shall you respond?
Shall I your mirth, or passion arouse,
When I begin to woo;
Will you torment, or mock, or adore me too?
Each petty beauty can scorn, and I
Despite your aversion
Absent your consent can see, and perish;
Dispense a grander Lot!
It is effortless to demolish, you could create.
Then grant me consent to adore, & adore me too
Lacking design
To uplift, as Affection's accursed rebels act
As complaining Bards whine,
Acclaim to their beauty, from their blubber’d gaze.
Sorrow is a pool and shows not distinct
One's charm's beams;
Joys are untainted streams, your eyes seem
Sullen in gloomier verses,
In joyful verses they shine brilliant with acclaim.
Which may not allude to portray you fair
Injuries, blazes, and arrows,
Storms in your countenance, nets in your locks,
Corrupting all your parts,
Or else to betray, or afflict ensnared affections.
I will render your eyes like morning orbs appear,
As mild, and fayr;
One's brow as glass smooth, and clear,
Whereas your tousled hayr
May stream like a calm Area of the Ayr.
Rich The natural world's treasury (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I will use, to adorn
Your beauties, if your Wellspring of Joy
Through matching thankfulness
Thou but unlock, so we one another favor.
Examining the Poem's Themes
The work examines the relationship of affection and acclaim, as the poet addresses a maiden who seeks his devotion. Rather, he offers a shared arrangement of artistic praise for intimate delights. This phraseology is elegant, blending refined conventions with frank utterances of longing.
Through the lines, the author spurns typical themes of unrequited affection, including sorrow and tears, stating they obscure true charm. The speaker favors delight and admiration to emphasize the maiden's attributes, vowing to render her vision as shining orbs and her tresses as streaming air. This technique highlights a practical yet clever view on connections.
Important Elements of the Piece
- Mutual Arrangement: The poem revolves on a offer of admiration in return for delight, emphasizing parity between the individuals.
- Dismissal of Traditional Themes: The speaker disparages typical poetic tools like sorrow and metaphors of suffering, preferring optimistic imagery.
- Poetic Craftsmanship: The application of mixed verse lengths and rhythm showcases the writer's mastery in composition, creating a graceful and engaging text.
Rich Nature’s treasury (which is the Bard's Riches)
I’l expend, to adorn
One's charms, if your Mine of Pleasure
With equall appreciation
You but release, so we one another grace.
This verse captures the central bargain, in which the poet promises to use his creative abilities to celebrate the lady, as compensation for her willingness. The phraseology mixes spiritual overtones with earthly longings, providing depth to the poem's message.