To a Lady That Requested I Would Love Her
Now you have freely given me leave to love,
What shall you do?
Will I your delight, or ardor arouse,
When I start to woo;
Will you distress, or scorn, or adore me too?
Each petty charm can disdain, and I
In spite of your aversion
Absent your leave can perceive, and perish;
Bestow a grander Destiny!
It's simple to demolish, you could create.
Thus give me leave to love, & cherish me too
Lacking intent
To elevate, as Love's damned insurgents act
As complaining Bards lament,
Fame to their charm, from their weeping gaze.
Grief is a puddle and reflects not bright
Your beauty’s rayes;
Delights are clear currents, your gaze seem
Sullen in sadder songs,
Through happy verses they radiate bright with prayse.
What shall not mention to express you fayr
Harms, fires, and darts,
Gales in your forehead, traps in your hayr,
Corrupting all your features,
Or to deceive, or torment trapped hearts.
I will render your vision like sunrise suns look,
Just as soft, and fayr;
One's countenance as crystal polished, and transparent,
Whereas your unkempt locks
May drift like a tranquil Zone of the Ayr.
Rich Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I will spend, to dress
One's graces, if your Source of Joy
In equall thankfulness
Thou but release, so we one another favor.
Exploring the Poem's Themes
The work delves the interplay of passion and praise, as the poet engages with a maiden who seeks his affection. Conversely, he suggests a reciprocal arrangement of poetic praise for intimate pleasures. This language is graceful, mixing courtly conventions with candid expressions of longing.
Through the lines, the poet dismisses usual motifs of unrequited love, including sadness and tears, arguing they cloud true grace. He chooses joy and acclaim to highlight the lady's qualities, assuring to render her gaze as radiant stars and her hair as flowing breeze. The technique underscores a realistic yet artful perspective on relationships.
Significant Aspects of the Work
- Reciprocal Exchange: The work centers on a offer of praise in exchange for pleasure, highlighting balance between the parties.
- Spurning of Standard Themes: The speaker disparages common artistic tools like sadness and similes of anguish, choosing positive descriptions.
- Poetic Skill: The application of diverse verse measures and rhythm showcases the writer's mastery in poetry, creating a fluid and engaging text.
Abundant Nature's hoard (which is the Poet’s Riches)
I will spend, to dress
Your charms, if your Mine of Delight
Through equall thankfulness
One but open, so we mutually bless.
This verse encapsulates the core deal, as the author vows to utilize his artistic gifts to praise the woman, in return for her openness. This wording blends devout hints with physical longings, adding complexity to the verse's meaning.