Addressing a Lady That Wished I Would Show Affection

Since you've freely given me permission to love,
What will you do?
Am I to your mirth, or ardor arouse,
When I start to pursue;
Shall you torment, or mock, or cherish me too?

Every minor charm can reject, and I
In spite of your hate
Without your permission can perceive, and succumb;
Bestow a loftier Fate!
’Tis easy to destroy, you could fashion.

Then grant me permission to adore, & adore me too
Not with purpose
To raise, as Affection's accursed rebels behave
As puling Bards moan,
Fame to their grace, from their blubber’d eyes.

Sadness is a puddle and reflects not bright
Your grace's rayes;
Joys are pure streames, your eyes seem
Gloomy in gloomier layes,
In joyful lines they shine brilliant with praise.

That will not allude to describe you fair
Harms, flames, and arrows,
Storms in your forehead, nets in your hayr,
Corrupting all your parts,
Or to trick, or torment trapped hearts.

I shall make your vision like morning stars seem,
Just as soft, and fayr;
Thy brow as Crystall smooth, and clear,
Whereas your dishevelled hayr
Will stream like a tranquil Area of the Atmosphere.

Wealthy Nature’s store (which is the Writer's Riches)
I shall spend, to dress
Thy graces, if your Source of Pleasure
With equal gratitude
You but open, so we one another favor.

Delving into the Poem's Ideas

The composition delves the relationship of love and acclaim, where the narrator engages with a maiden who requests his devotion. Instead, he offers a mutual arrangement of artistic tribute for personal pleasures. This language is elegant, blending courtly traditions with direct statements of yearning.

Within the verses, the writer rejects common themes of one-sided love, like grief and lamentation, stating they cloud true grace. The speaker prefers joy and acclaim to showcase the maiden's qualities, vowing to portray her eyes as radiant suns and her tresses as flowing air. The method underscores a realistic yet artful perspective on relationships.

Key Aspects of the Composition

  • Reciprocal Arrangement: The poem focuses on a suggestion of praise in exchange for delight, stressing balance between the persons.
  • Dismissal of Standard Ideas: The speaker disparages typical literary tools like grief and imagery of pain, favoring positive imagery.
  • Poetic Skill: The application of diverse verse measures and flow displays the poet's expertise in verse, forming a smooth and compelling experience.
Rich Nature’s treasury (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I will expend, to adorn
Thy beauties, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
With equall gratitude
One but open, so we each other grace.

This section encapsulates the central deal, as the poet vows to utilize his inventive abilities to praise the lady, in exchange for her openness. The phraseology mixes pious hints with earthly yearnings, providing depth to the poem's message.

Terry Ramsey
Terry Ramsey

A passionate maze designer and puzzle enthusiast with over a decade of experience in creating intricate challenges for all ages.

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