For a Lady That Desired I Would Show Affection

Given that you bestowed me leave to love,
What will you respond?
Will I your mirth, or ardor arouse,
As I commence woo;
Shall you trouble, or mock, or love me too?

Every minor grace can scorn, and I
In spite of your dislike
Absent your leave can observe, and succumb;
Bestow a grander Fate!
It's simple to destroy, you could create.

Then allow me leave to cherish, & love me too
Without purpose
To elevate, as Loves accursed rebels act
As whining Poets lament,
Fame to their grace, from their blubber’d eyne.

Sorrow is a puddle and shows not distinct
Thy grace's rayes;
Joys are untainted currents, your gaze appear
Sullen in sadder songs,
Within happy verses they radiate bright with acclaim.

That shall not refer to portray you fayr
Injuries, blazes, and darts,
Gales in your forehead, nets in your hair,
Corrupting all your features,
Or to betray, or afflict ensnared affections.

I shall cause your vision like morning suns seem,
Just as gentle, and lovely;
Your forehead as glass even, and transparent,
While your tousled hair
Shall stream like a tranquil Region of the Air.

Rich Nature's treasury (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I shall spend, to embellish
Thy beauties, if your Source of Pleasure
With matching thankfulness
Thou but release, so we each other bless.

Delving into the Verse's Ideas

This work delves the relationship of love and praise, where the narrator addresses a woman who requests his love. Conversely, he suggests a shared agreement of poetic admiration for private pleasures. The language is refined, blending courtly norms with candid statements of longing.

Within the stanzas, the author spurns common tropes of unreturned love, such as grief and weeping, claiming they dim true beauty. The speaker prefers happiness and admiration to emphasize the maiden's features, promising to depict her vision as radiant stars and her hair as streaming atmosphere. This approach emphasizes a realistic yet clever view on bonds.

Significant Elements of the Piece

  • Shared Arrangement: The verse revolves on a proposal of praise in return for enjoyment, highlighting balance between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Traditional Motifs: The speaker condemns typical artistic techniques like sorrow and metaphors of pain, choosing optimistic depictions.
  • Artistic Craftsmanship: The application of varied line patterns and cadence displays the writer's proficiency in verse, forming a smooth and compelling read.
Abundant Nature’s treasury (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I will expend, to adorn
Your beauties, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
Through equall appreciation
One but open, so we one another bless.

This section encapsulates the core arrangement, where the poet pledges to employ his artistic gifts to praise the lady, in exchange for her willingness. This language blends spiritual overtones with worldly desires, adding profundity to the poem's message.

Jay Le
Jay Le

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, Evelyn brings years of experience in UK media and a keen eye for detail.