Addressing a Lady That Desired Me to Love Her

Now you have freely given me consent to love,
How will you do?
Am I to your joy, or passion move,
As I begin to court;
Do you torment, or disdain, or adore me too?

Each petty charm can disdain, and I
Spight of your hate
Without your leave can perceive, and succumb;
Grant a loftier Fate!
It is effortless to demolish, you could form.

Therefore give me leave to adore, & cherish me too
Not with purpose
To elevate, as Love's damned defiers act
While whining Poets lament,
Acclaim to their grace, from their weeping eyes.

Grief is a puddle and mirrors not clear
One's charm's beams;
Joyes are pure streams, your vision seem
Sullen in sadder verses,
In happy numbers they shine bright with prayse.

What shall not refer to express you fayr
Harms, fires, and darts,
Storms in your countenance, traps in your hayr,
Corrupting all your features,
Or to trick, or torment trapped hearts.

I shall cause your eyes like sunrise stars look,
Just as soft, and fayr;
Your countenance as glass smooth, and transparent,
Whereas your unkempt hair
Will flow like a serene Region of the Atmosphere.

Rich Nature’s store (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I’l use, to adorn
Your charms, if your Mine of Delight
In equal gratitude
One but open, so we one another favor.

Exploring the Poem's Motifs

This composition delves the relationship of affection and praise, as the narrator engages with a lady who desires his affection. Instead, he suggests a shared exchange of literary admiration for private favors. This phraseology is elegant, blending polished conventions with direct statements of yearning.

Through the stanzas, the author rejects common tropes of unrequited affection, like sadness and tears, arguing they dim true charm. The speaker chooses happiness and acclaim to emphasize the maiden's features, assuring to portray her gaze as shining orbs and her hair as streaming air. The method underscores a realistic yet artful view on relationships.

Significant Components of the Composition

  • Reciprocal Exchange: The poem focuses on a offer of tribute in return for delight, emphasizing balance between the individuals.
  • Dismissal of Conventional Motifs: The narrator criticizes usual literary devices like grief and imagery of pain, choosing optimistic descriptions.
  • Poetic Skill: The employment of diverse verse lengths and cadence showcases the writer's proficiency in composition, producing a smooth and captivating read.
Abundant The natural world's treasury (which is the Bard's Riches)
I shall use, to dress
Thy beauties, if your Mine of Joy
Through matching thankfulness
You but release, so we one another bless.

The verse captures the essential bargain, in which the author promises to employ his inventive abilities to honor the woman, in exchange for her willingness. This wording mixes spiritual undertones with earthly desires, adding depth to the poem's theme.

Amanda Atkins
Amanda Atkins

Tech enthusiast and startup advisor with a passion for fostering innovation in Southern Italy.

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