For a Lady That Requested Me to Show Affection

Since you've bestowed me consent to love,
How will you do?
Am I to your joy, or emotion stir,
When I commence court;
Do you distress, or disdain, or adore me too?

All trivial charm can reject, and I
Despite your aversion
Without your leave can observe, and succumb;
Dispense a nobler Fate!
It's simple to destroy, you could form.

Thus give me permission to love, & adore me too
Without design
To raise, as Affection's damned rebels behave
While complaining Bards moan,
Acclaim to their charm, from their weeping eyne.

Grief is a pool and shows not bright
Thy beauty’s lights;
Joys are untainted currents, your vision look
Morose in sadder layes,
In joyful lines they radiate brilliant with praise.

What shall not mention to portray you lovely
Harms, blazes, and shafts,
Storms in your brow, traps in your hayr,
Corrupting all your parts,
Either to trick, or afflict ensnared hearts.

I will cause your gaze like dawn stars appear,
As mild, and lovely;
One's brow as Crystall even, and pure,
While your dishevelled locks
Shall stream like a calm Zone of the Atmosphere.

Wealthy The natural world's hoard (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I shall expend, to embellish
Your graces, if your Wellspring of Joy
With matching appreciation
Thou but release, so we mutually favor.

Examining the Poem's Themes

The composition examines the interplay of love and praise, as the narrator addresses a lady who desires his devotion. Conversely, he suggests a shared exchange of literary admiration for intimate favors. The wording is refined, mixing refined conventions with direct utterances of yearning.

Within the stanzas, the poet spurns common tropes of unreturned love, including sorrow and weeping, stating they obscure true grace. The speaker prefers delight and admiration to showcase the woman's attributes, promising to render her vision as bright orbs and her tresses as drifting breeze. The technique underscores a pragmatic yet artful view on relationships.

Significant Aspects of the Composition

  • Reciprocal Exchange: The poem revolves on a proposal of admiration in exchange for enjoyment, highlighting equality between the parties.
  • Spurning of Traditional Themes: The speaker disparages common artistic devices like grief and similes of pain, preferring positive depictions.
  • Artistic Artistry: The employment of varied meter patterns and cadence demonstrates the author's expertise in composition, producing a fluid and compelling read.
Wealthy Nature's treasury (which is the Bard's Riches)
I shall use, to adorn
Your charms, if your Mine of Joy
Through equall appreciation
Thou but unlock, so we mutually grace.

The section summarizes the essential deal, where the author vows to utilize his artistic talents to honor the lady, in return for her openness. This language blends devout hints with worldly desires, giving complexity to the poem's meaning.

Elizabeth Lee
Elizabeth Lee

Digital artist and blockchain enthusiast with a passion for exploring NFT ecosystems and sharing actionable insights.