For a Lady That Wished Me to Love Her
Given that you freely given me permission to love,
What shall you do?
Will I your mirth, or ardor arouse,
As I commence court;
Shall you trouble, or scorn, or adore me too?
Every minor charm can scorn, and I
In spite of your dislike
Without your permission can see, and die;
Dispense a loftier Fate!
’Tis easy to demolish, you can form.
Thus grant me consent to love, & adore me too
Lacking purpose
To elevate, as Loves cursed rebels act
When whining Versifiers lament,
Acclaim to their grace, from their weeping gaze.
Sadness is a pond and shows not clear
Thy charm's rayes;
Joyes are pure streams, your eyes seem
Sullen in gloomier verses,
Within happy lines they shine luminous with acclaim.
That will not mention to portray you fayr
Harms, flames, and arrows,
Storms in your countenance, snares in your hayr,
Corrupting all your parts,
Either to trick, or torture captive affections.
I’ll make your vision like sunrise suns appear,
Just as mild, and lovely;
Your brow as glass even, and pure,
And your unkempt hair
Will stream like a tranquil Area of the Atmosphere.
Rich The natural world's hoard (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I’l expend, to embellish
Your beauties, if your Source of Pleasure
With equal gratitude
Thou but release, so we one another grace.
Examining the Verse's Ideas
The composition examines the interplay of passion and acclaim, where the speaker addresses a woman who seeks his affection. Instead, he proposes a shared agreement of poetic tribute for private pleasures. The language is graceful, mixing courtly traditions with candid statements of longing.
In the verses, the poet rejects typical tropes of unrequited affection, like grief and lamentation, claiming they cloud true grace. He prefers joy and admiration to emphasize the maiden's features, vowing to depict her vision as shining orbs and her hair as flowing air. This technique underscores a practical yet artful view on relationships.
Important Aspects of the Composition
- Mutual Agreement: The verse revolves on a proposal of admiration in return for delight, highlighting balance between the parties.
- Dismissal of Conventional Ideas: The speaker criticizes common literary tools like sorrow and similes of anguish, preferring upbeat depictions.
- Creative Craftsmanship: The application of diverse verse lengths and rhythm showcases the author's mastery in verse, forming a smooth and captivating experience.
Rich The natural world's store (which is the Bard's Riches)
I’l expend, to adorn
One's graces, if your Source of Delight
Through matching gratitude
You but release, so we mutually favor.
The section summarizes the essential bargain, in which the author promises to utilize his inventive gifts to honor the woman, in return for her willingness. The wording mixes spiritual undertones with earthly yearnings, giving depth to the poem's theme.