To a Lady That Wished I Would Show Affection

Since you've granted me leave to love,
What will you respond?
Shall I your joy, or emotion stir,
As I commence pursue;
Do you torment, or mock, or adore me too?

Each petty charm can scorn, and I
In spite of your aversion
Absent your leave can see, and die;
Grant a nobler Fate!
It is effortless to ruin, you may form.

Therefore give me consent to adore, & love me too
Not with design
To elevate, as Loves accursed insurgents do
When whining Bards moan,
Fame to their charm, from their tearful eyne.

Sorrow is a puddle and shows not bright
Your beauty’s rayes;
Joys are clear streames, your eyes seem
Morose in sadder layes,
Within joyful lines they gleam luminous with prayse.

Which shall not refer to portray you lovely
Wounds, blazes, and darts,
Tempests in your forehead, snares in your locks,
Corrupting all your parts,
Or to trick, or torture captive hearts.

I shall render your eyes like morning suns appear,
As mild, and fayr;
One's brow as glass polished, and clear,
While your dishevelled locks
Will drift like a serene Area of the Ayr.

Wealthy Nature's treasury (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I’l spend, to adorn
Your beauties, if your Wellspring of Joy
Through matching gratitude
One but unlock, so we each other bless.

Delving into the Poem's Themes

The piece delves the interplay of affection and praise, as the speaker speaks to a lady who desires his love. Rather, he proposes a shared exchange of poetic admiration for private delights. The language is elegant, mixing refined norms with direct utterances of desire.

Within the lines, the author rejects common tropes of unrequited passion, including sorrow and weeping, arguing they cloud true beauty. He prefers delight and acclaim to emphasize the maiden's features, assuring to portray her vision as bright orbs and her locks as flowing atmosphere. The approach underscores a realistic yet clever outlook on connections.

Key Components of the Piece

  • Mutual Agreement: The poem revolves on a offer of praise in return for delight, highlighting balance between the parties.
  • Spurning of Conventional Themes: The speaker condemns usual poetic tools like sorrow and imagery of pain, choosing optimistic descriptions.
  • Creative Craftsmanship: The use of varied line patterns and rhythm displays the author's proficiency in poetry, producing a smooth and engaging experience.
Rich The natural world's hoard (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I’l expend, to adorn
Your graces, if your Source of Pleasure
With matching appreciation
You but open, so we one another favor.

This verse encapsulates the core bargain, as the poet promises to use his inventive gifts to honor the maiden, in return for her receptiveness. This language blends spiritual overtones with worldly yearnings, giving depth to the poem's meaning.

Jon Davis
Jon Davis

A seasoned business strategist with over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship and digital marketing.