To a Lady That Desired Me to Show Affection

Now you have freely given me leave to love,
How will you respond?
Am I to your delight, or emotion stir,
When I start to pursue;
Shall you trouble, or disdain, or cherish me too?

Each petty charm can disdain, and I
Spight of your aversion
Without your permission can perceive, and succumb;
Dispense a grander Destiny!
It is effortless to demolish, you could create.

Then allow me leave to adore, & cherish me too
Lacking purpose
To elevate, as Affection's accursed defiers act
As whining Poets moan,
Fame to their charm, from their blubber’d eyes.

Grief is a pool and mirrors not bright
Thy grace's rayes;
Delights are clear streames, your gaze seem
Morose in sadder layes,
Within happy verses they radiate brilliant with acclaim.

What will not allude to express you lovely
Wounds, flames, and darts,
Storms in your forehead, nets in your locks,
Corrupting all your parts,
Or else to betray, or torture ensnared affections.

I shall make your vision like sunrise suns seem,
Just as gentle, and fayr;
Your brow as crystal polished, and pure,
And your dishevelled hayr
May flow like a serene Region of the Ayr.

Abundant Nature's store (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I shall use, to dress
Thy beauties, if your Mine of Delight
In equall thankfulness
One but open, so we mutually grace.

Exploring the Work's Motifs

This composition delves the interplay of affection and admiration, as the speaker speaks to a woman who seeks his love. Instead, he suggests a reciprocal exchange of artistic praise for private favors. The wording is elegant, blending polished norms with direct statements of longing.

Within the verses, the poet dismisses typical motifs of unrequited love, like sadness and lamentation, stating they dim true beauty. He prefers joy and praise to emphasize the maiden's features, assuring to portray her vision as bright stars and her locks as streaming atmosphere. The technique underscores a pragmatic yet artful outlook on relationships.

Key Aspects of the Work

• Mutual Arrangement: The poem centers on a offer of admiration in trade for enjoyment, highlighting equality between the parties.
• Spurning of Standard Ideas: The poet criticizes common artistic tools like sorrow and metaphors of suffering, preferring upbeat imagery.
• Artistic Skill: The employment of varied verse measures and flow displays the poet's proficiency in verse, forming a fluid and captivating read.

Abundant Nature’s store (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I will expend, to adorn
Thy charms, if your Wellspring of Joy
In equal thankfulness
You but unlock, so we each other favor.

This stanza encapsulates the core arrangement, in which the writer promises to employ his artistic talents to praise the maiden, in exchange for her willingness. The wording blends pious overtones with worldly yearnings, giving depth to the poem's message.