To a Lady That Wished I Would Love Her

Since you've bestowed me consent to love,
What shall you respond?
Will I your delight, or ardor move,
As I commence woo;
Will you trouble, or scorn, or adore me too?

Every minor grace can reject, and I
Despite your dislike
Absent your permission can see, and die;
Grant a grander Lot!
It's simple to demolish, you can fashion.

Then allow me leave to cherish, & love me too
Without intent
To uplift, as Loves damned defiers act
When puling Poets whine,
Fame to their grace, from their tearful eyne.

Grief is a pond and reflects not clear
One's beauty’s lights;
Joyes are clear streams, your eyes seem
Morose in sadder verses,
In cheerfull lines they shine luminous with prayse.

That may not refer to describe you fair
Harms, blazes, and darts,
Tempests in your forehead, snares in your locks,
Bribing all your attributes,
Or else to deceive, or afflict trapped souls.

I shall cause your gaze like sunrise suns appear,
As gentle, and fayr;
One's countenance as crystal even, and transparent,
Whereas your dishevelled locks
Will flow like a calm Region of the Air.

Abundant The natural world's store (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I shall use, to adorn
Your beauties, if your Mine of Pleasure
Through equal thankfulness
One but release, so we each other favor.

Examining the Work's Motifs

This work examines the relationship of affection and admiration, as the narrator engages with a maiden who requests his affection. Instead, he proposes a mutual arrangement of poetic praise for personal pleasures. The language is graceful, combining polished traditions with frank expressions of longing.

Within the lines, the poet dismisses typical themes of unreturned love, such as grief and tears, arguing they dim true charm. He chooses delight and admiration to showcase the lady's features, vowing to render her eyes as shining stars and her tresses as flowing breeze. This technique emphasizes a pragmatic yet artful perspective on relationships.

Significant Elements of the Piece

  • Mutual Arrangement: The work centers on a proposal of praise in exchange for enjoyment, stressing parity between the persons.
  • Spurning of Traditional Motifs: The speaker condemns usual literary devices like grief and imagery of suffering, favoring upbeat imagery.
  • Creative Craftsmanship: The application of varied verse lengths and flow displays the writer's expertise in composition, producing a fluid and compelling experience.
Abundant The natural world's hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I’l use, to embellish
Thy beauties, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
Through equall gratitude
One but unlock, so we each other bless.

This section summarizes the central deal, in which the writer promises to employ his artistic talents to celebrate the woman, in exchange for her openness. The language combines devout undertones with physical desires, providing profundity to the poem's theme.

Jessica Stewart
Jessica Stewart

A digital marketing strategist with over 10 years of experience in SEO and content optimization, passionate about helping businesses thrive online.