For a Lady That Requested I Would Show Affection

Given that you granted me permission to love,
What shall you act?
Am I to your mirth, or ardor stir,
When I commence woo;
Will you torment, or scorn, or love me too?

Every minor charm can reject, and I
Spight of your aversion
Lacking your leave can perceive, and succumb;
Grant a grander Lot!
’Tis easy to ruin, you can fashion.

Therefore give me leave to adore, & adore me too
Without purpose
To elevate, as Loves damned rebels behave
While puling Poets whine,
Acclaim to their grace, from their weeping eyes.

Sorrow is a pool and reflects not distinct
Thy charm's beams;
Joys are untainted currents, your vision look
Gloomy in more sorrowful songs,
Within happy lines they gleam luminous with acclaim.

What may not mention to portray you fayr
Wounds, fires, and darts,
Gales in your countenance, nets in your hair,
Corrupting all your attributes,
Either to trick, or torment captive hearts.

I will make your eyes like dawn orbs look,
Like soft, and lovely;
Thy countenance as Crystall even, and clear,
While your tousled locks
Will stream like a tranquil Region of the Ayr.

Abundant Nature’s treasury (which is the Bard's Riches)
I shall use, to embellish
Thy graces, if your Mine of Joy
Through equall gratitude
Thou but release, so we each other grace.

Examining the Poem's Motifs

The work explores the dynamics of affection and admiration, where the poet addresses a woman who seeks his love. Instead, he suggests a shared agreement of literary admiration for personal pleasures. This phraseology is refined, combining refined conventions with direct utterances of desire.

Within the lines, the poet dismisses common themes of unrequited affection, including sorrow and weeping, claiming they dim true charm. The speaker prefers joy and admiration to showcase the lady's features, promising to render her eyes as bright stars and her tresses as flowing breeze. The approach emphasizes a pragmatic yet clever view on bonds.

Significant Elements of the Piece

  • Mutual Arrangement: The work revolves on a suggestion of tribute in exchange for delight, highlighting equality between the parties.
  • Dismissal of Standard Motifs: The poet condemns common artistic tools like grief and metaphors of pain, favoring optimistic depictions.
  • Creative Skill: The use of mixed meter measures and rhythm showcases the poet's mastery in verse, creating a graceful and engaging text.
Abundant Nature’s hoard (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I’l use, to dress
Thy graces, if your Source of Delight
In matching appreciation
Thou but unlock, so we each other grace.

This stanza encapsulates the essential deal, as the author pledges to use his artistic gifts to praise the lady, as compensation for her receptiveness. The language combines devout hints with physical desires, adding depth to the poem's meaning.

Dana Terry
Dana Terry

Financieel expert met een passie voor geldbeheer en het delen van praktische tips om financiële vrijheid te bereiken.