To a Lady Who Wished I Would Love Her

Now you have granted me consent to love,
What will you respond?
Am I to your mirth, or ardor arouse,
When I commence court;
Will you trouble, or disdain, or cherish me too?

Every minor grace can disdain, and I
Despite your aversion
Lacking your leave can see, and succumb;
Bestow a loftier Lot!
’Tis easy to demolish, you can form.

Thus grant me leave to love, & cherish me too
Lacking intent
To elevate, as Love's damned defiers do
When whining Bards whine,
Acclaim to their beauty, from their weeping eyes.

Sadness is a puddle and shows not distinct
Your beauty’s beams;
Joys are untainted streams, your vision look
Sullen in gloomier verses,
Through cheerfull lines they shine bright with acclaim.

What will not mention to portray you lovely
Wounds, fires, and arrows,
Tempests in your brow, traps in your hayr,
Corrupting all your parts,
Or else to betray, or torture captive hearts.

I’ll make your gaze like morning stars seem,
Like mild, and lovely;
Your countenance as glass smooth, and pure,
Whereas your tousled hair
May flow like a calm Zone of the Ayr.

Wealthy Nature's store (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I will spend, to dress
One's graces, if your Source of Delight
Through matching thankfulness
Thou but unlock, so we one another grace.

Examining the Work's Themes

The composition examines the relationship of affection and acclaim, where the poet speaks to a woman who requests his love. Conversely, he offers a reciprocal arrangement of artistic admiration for personal pleasures. The language is elegant, blending courtly traditions with candid expressions of desire.

In the lines, the poet rejects typical themes of unreturned passion, like sorrow and tears, claiming they obscure true grace. He chooses happiness and praise to showcase the lady's attributes, vowing to depict her gaze as shining orbs and her hair as drifting atmosphere. The method underscores a pragmatic yet artful view on relationships.

Key Elements of the Piece

  • Reciprocal Arrangement: The poem revolves on a suggestion of admiration in return for pleasure, emphasizing balance between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Conventional Themes: The narrator condemns usual literary devices like sadness and similes of anguish, choosing upbeat descriptions.
  • Poetic Artistry: The employment of varied line measures and flow showcases the poet's proficiency in verse, creating a smooth and captivating read.
Rich The natural world's treasury (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I will spend, to embellish
Thy beauties, if your Mine of Pleasure
With equall gratitude
Thou but unlock, so we each other bless.

This verse summarizes the essential deal, as the author vows to employ his creative talents to praise the maiden, in exchange for her willingness. This wording mixes devout hints with earthly longings, giving profundity to the work's meaning.

Edwin Lee
Edwin Lee

An avid traveler and writer passionate about uncovering Italy's lesser-known destinations and sharing authentic experiences.