To a Lady That Desired Me to Love Her

Since you've freely given me permission to love,
How will you act?
Will I your mirth, or passion move,
Once I begin to pursue;
Do you trouble, or scorn, or love me too?

Every minor grace can disdain, and I
In spite of your hate
Without your consent can perceive, and die;
Dispense a nobler Destiny!
It's simple to ruin, you can form.

Therefore give me consent to adore, & love me too
Not with design
To uplift, as Affection's damned insurgents do
As complaining Bards moan,
Renown to their grace, from their weeping eyes.

Sorrow is a pool and reflects not distinct
Your grace's lights;
Joyes are clear streames, your eyes appear
Sullen in more sorrowful layes,
Within happy numbers they shine luminous with prayse.

What shall not allude to portray you fair
Harms, blazes, and arrows,
Tempests in your forehead, traps in your hayr,
Corrupting all your attributes,
Either to deceive, or afflict captive souls.

I shall cause your vision like sunrise stars appear,
Like gentle, and fayr;
One's forehead as crystal polished, and transparent,
While your tousled locks
Will flow like a tranquil Zone of the Ayr.

Wealthy The natural world's treasury (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I’l use, to adorn
Thy graces, if your Mine of Pleasure
Through equall thankfulness
One but open, so we one another bless.

Examining the Verse's Ideas

The composition delves the relationship of love and praise, in which the speaker addresses a woman who desires his affection. Conversely, he offers a reciprocal arrangement of poetic praise for intimate favors. The phraseology is refined, blending refined traditions with candid expressions of desire.

Within the lines, the writer rejects typical motifs of unreturned love, like sorrow and weeping, arguing they cloud true beauty. He prefers happiness and admiration to emphasize the maiden's qualities, vowing to depict her vision as radiant suns and her tresses as flowing breeze. The technique underscores a pragmatic yet artful outlook on relationships.

Significant Elements of the Piece

  • Shared Agreement: The verse focuses on a offer of admiration in exchange for pleasure, highlighting balance between the individuals.
  • Rejection of Conventional Themes: The speaker criticizes usual poetic devices like sorrow and metaphors of pain, preferring upbeat depictions.
  • Poetic Skill: The employment of diverse meter measures and rhythm demonstrates the author's expertise in poetry, producing a smooth and engaging experience.
Abundant Nature’s store (which is the Bard's Riches)
I’l use, to dress
Thy beauties, if your Mine of Joy
Through matching thankfulness
You but open, so we each other grace.

This section captures the core arrangement, in which the writer pledges to use his creative talents to celebrate the maiden, as compensation for her openness. The wording mixes devout overtones with earthly longings, adding depth to the verse's message.

Brandy Hicks
Brandy Hicks

A passionate football journalist with over a decade of experience covering Italian soccer, specializing in Turin-based clubs and their impact on the sport.