For a Lady That Desired I Would Show Affection

Since you've freely given me consent to love,
How will you act?
Am I to your mirth, or ardor move,
When I commence court;
Do you trouble, or disdain, or love me too?

Each petty beauty can reject, and I
In spite of your hate
Absent your consent can see, and succumb;
Dispense a loftier Destiny!
’Tis easy to demolish, you may fashion.

Thus allow me leave to love, & adore me too
Lacking intent
To raise, as Loves cursed defiers do
While puling Bards lament,
Fame to their beauty, from their blubber’d eyne.

Sadness is a pool and reflects not clear
Your beauty’s lights;
Joyes are clear streames, your gaze appear
Morose in more sorrowful verses,
In happy numbers they shine bright with acclaim.

Which will not refer to express you fair
Harms, blazes, and shafts,
Storms in your countenance, snares in your hair,
Corrupting all your parts,
Either to trick, or torture trapped affections.

I will cause your gaze like dawn stars look,
Just as gentle, and fair;
Your forehead as crystal smooth, and pure,
And your unkempt locks
Shall flow like a tranquil Area of the Atmosphere.

Wealthy Nature's store (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I will spend, to dress
Thy graces, if your Mine of Joy
Through equal gratitude
You but open, so we mutually grace.

Examining the Verse's Ideas

The piece examines the dynamics of passion and praise, where the speaker engages with a maiden who seeks his devotion. Conversely, he suggests a shared agreement of artistic tribute for intimate pleasures. The phraseology is graceful, combining courtly norms with candid utterances of longing.

In the verses, the poet spurns usual tropes of unrequited affection, like sorrow and weeping, claiming they cloud true grace. He prefers happiness and admiration to emphasize the woman's qualities, vowing to portray her eyes as bright orbs and her hair as streaming air. This approach highlights a pragmatic yet clever view on bonds.

Significant Aspects of the Work

  • Reciprocal Agreement: The work revolves on a offer of praise in exchange for enjoyment, highlighting equality between the persons.
  • Dismissal of Standard Motifs: The poet condemns usual poetic devices like grief and similes of pain, preferring upbeat imagery.
  • Artistic Artistry: The use of mixed line lengths and flow showcases the writer's expertise in composition, creating a smooth and captivating read.
Wealthy Nature’s hoard (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I’l expend, to dress
Your charms, if your Source of Delight
Through equal gratitude
One but release, so we mutually grace.

This stanza captures the essential bargain, where the poet promises to employ his creative gifts to praise the lady, as compensation for her receptiveness. This wording blends pious undertones with physical yearnings, giving complexity to the verse's theme.

Troy Nichols
Troy Nichols

Environmental science student and sustainability advocate passionate about green living and student wellness.