To a Lady Who Desired I Would Love Her

Now you have freely given me permission to love,
What will you respond?
Will I your joy, or passion arouse,
As I start to pursue;
Do you torment, or disdain, or love me too?

Each petty grace can disdain, and I
Spight of your hate
Without your leave can perceive, and succumb;
Grant a loftier Lot!
It's simple to destroy, you can fashion.

Therefore give me consent to adore, & love me too
Not with purpose
To uplift, as Loves accursed defiers act
When puling Poets moan,
Acclaim to their beauty, from their weeping eyne.

Sadness is a pool and reflects not bright
Your grace's lights;
Joys are pure streames, your eyes seem
Sullen in more sorrowful verses,
Through happy lines they radiate luminous with prayse.

That shall not allude to portray you lovely
Harms, flames, and shafts,
Storms in your countenance, traps in your hair,
Bribing all your parts,
Or to trick, or torture ensnared souls.

I’ll render your gaze like sunrise orbs appear,
As soft, and fair;
One's countenance as Crystall polished, and transparent,
While your unkempt locks
Shall flow like a serene Area of the Ayr.

Abundant Nature's treasury (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I will use, to adorn
One's charms, if your Source of Delight
With matching appreciation
Thou but open, so we mutually bless.

Delving into the Poem's Themes

This work explores the relationship of affection and praise, in which the poet speaks to a woman who desires his love. Rather, he suggests a shared agreement of literary admiration for personal delights. The language is elegant, combining courtly conventions with direct expressions of longing.

Through the verses, the author dismisses usual motifs of unrequited passion, such as sadness and weeping, stating they cloud true charm. He chooses happiness and admiration to emphasize the lady's qualities, assuring to render her gaze as shining suns and her locks as flowing breeze. This technique emphasizes a pragmatic yet clever outlook on relationships.

Key Elements of the Composition

  • Mutual Arrangement: The verse focuses on a suggestion of admiration in trade for delight, stressing balance between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Conventional Ideas: The speaker condemns common artistic techniques like sorrow and similes of suffering, favoring positive imagery.
  • Artistic Artistry: The use of mixed verse patterns and cadence showcases the writer's expertise in verse, producing a smooth and captivating text.
Wealthy The natural world's store (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I’l expend, to adorn
Thy charms, if your Mine of Joy
Through equall appreciation
Thou but unlock, so we one another grace.

This stanza captures the essential deal, in which the writer pledges to use his artistic talents to celebrate the woman, as compensation for her willingness. The wording mixes devout overtones with worldly desires, adding depth to the verse's message.

Cynthia Turner
Cynthia Turner

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about sharing innovative ideas and trends that shape our digital world.