To a Lady That Desired Me to Show Affection
Given that you bestowed me leave to love,
What will you respond?
Am I to your joy, or ardor arouse,
When I commence woo;
Will you torment, or mock, or cherish me too?
Each petty grace can scorn, and I
Spight of your aversion
Without your consent can observe, and perish;
Bestow a nobler Fate!
’Tis easy to destroy, you may fashion.
Then allow me consent to cherish, & adore me too
Lacking intent
To uplift, as Affection's cursed rebels behave
As puling Versifiers lament,
Acclaim to their beauty, from their blubber’d eyes.
Sorrow is a puddle and reflects not distinct
Your beauty’s beams;
Joys are pure streames, your gaze look
Gloomy in sadder songs,
Within joyful lines they radiate bright with prayse.
What may not mention to describe you fayr
Injuries, fires, and darts,
Gales in your countenance, traps in your hayr,
Suborning all your parts,
Or else to deceive, or torment captive souls.
I will make your eyes like sunrise stars appear,
Just as mild, and fair;
Your countenance as crystal even, and transparent,
Whereas your dishevelled locks
Shall drift like a tranquil Zone of the Air.
Rich Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I will use, to embellish
One's beauties, if your Mine of Joy
With equal gratitude
You but unlock, so we one another bless.
Exploring the Verse's Motifs
The composition delves the interplay of affection and acclaim, as the speaker addresses a maiden who seeks his affection. Conversely, he offers a shared agreement of literary praise for intimate pleasures. This language is refined, mixing refined norms with frank expressions of longing.
In the verses, the poet rejects typical tropes of unreturned passion, like sorrow and tears, stating they obscure true beauty. The speaker favors delight and admiration to highlight the lady's features, vowing to portray her vision as bright stars and her tresses as flowing air. This method underscores a practical yet clever perspective on connections.
Important Elements of the Composition
- Shared Exchange: The verse revolves on a suggestion of tribute in return for pleasure, emphasizing parity between the parties.
- Dismissal of Conventional Ideas: The speaker condemns typical poetic tools like sorrow and metaphors of suffering, favoring optimistic imagery.
- Creative Artistry: The application of varied line measures and rhythm displays the poet's expertise in verse, creating a smooth and compelling text.
Rich The natural world's store (which is the Writer's Riches)
I will use, to dress
One's charms, if your Source of Delight
With equal gratitude
One but open, so we one another favor.
This section summarizes the central arrangement, where the poet promises to employ his inventive gifts to celebrate the woman, in exchange for her receptiveness. The language blends devout overtones with earthly desires, giving profundity to the poem's message.