Addressing a Lady Who Requested Me to Love Her

Given that you granted me permission to love,
What will you do?
Shall I your joy, or passion move,
Once I start to pursue;
Shall you trouble, or scorn, or cherish me too?

Each petty grace can reject, and I
Spight of your dislike
Lacking your consent can see, and perish;
Bestow a nobler Fate!
’Tis easy to destroy, you could form.

Then allow me consent to love, & cherish me too
Not with design
To elevate, as Love's cursed insurgents behave
As complaining Poets whine,
Fame to their charm, from their weeping gaze.

Sorrow is a pool and shows not distinct
Thy beauty’s lights;
Delights are untainted currents, your eyes appear
Gloomy in sadder verses,
Through happy lines they radiate brilliant with acclaim.

Which will not refer to express you lovely
Wounds, fires, and darts,
Gales in your brow, nets in your hayr,
Bribing all your features,
Or to trick, or torment ensnared hearts.

I shall make your gaze like dawn orbs seem,
Like soft, and lovely;
One's forehead as Crystall even, and transparent,
And your unkempt hair
Will flow like a tranquil Zone of the Atmosphere.

Rich Nature's hoard (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I will use, to adorn
One's charms, if your Source of Pleasure
With equall gratitude
You but release, so we mutually grace.

Delving into the Work's Themes

The piece explores the dynamics of passion and acclaim, in which the poet engages with a woman who requests his affection. Conversely, he offers a reciprocal arrangement of artistic tribute for personal delights. The phraseology is graceful, blending polished traditions with direct statements of desire.

Within the stanzas, the poet dismisses usual themes of one-sided passion, including sadness and tears, arguing they cloud true grace. He prefers delight and praise to highlight the woman's attributes, promising to portray her eyes as radiant suns and her locks as flowing atmosphere. The method underscores a realistic yet clever outlook on relationships.

Key Aspects of the Composition

  • Reciprocal Agreement: The poem centers on a suggestion of admiration in trade for pleasure, emphasizing parity between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Standard Themes: The speaker condemns typical literary tools like sadness and imagery of pain, favoring optimistic imagery.
  • Artistic Artistry: The employment of mixed line lengths and rhythm displays the writer's expertise in poetry, producing a smooth and engaging experience.
Abundant Nature’s treasury (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I shall expend, to dress
Your charms, if your Mine of Joy
With equal thankfulness
One but release, so we mutually favor.

This stanza encapsulates the central bargain, where the author pledges to use his creative abilities to honor the maiden, as compensation for her willingness. This language blends spiritual undertones with earthly yearnings, giving depth to the work's message.

Elizabeth Williams
Elizabeth Williams

Tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and sharing practical advice.