To a Lady That Wished I Would Show Affection

Given that you bestowed me consent to love,
What will you act?
Shall I your joy, or ardor move,
Once I commence court;
Do you distress, or mock, or love me too?

Every minor grace can reject, and I
Spight of your dislike
Lacking your permission can see, and perish;
Dispense a loftier Fate!
It's simple to demolish, you can create.

Therefore allow me consent to love, & love me too
Lacking design
To uplift, as Affection's accursed rebels act
While puling Poets whine,
Acclaim to their charm, from their blubber’d gaze.

Sorrow is a pond and shows not distinct
One's grace's lights;
Delights are clear streames, your eyes appear
Morose in gloomier verses,
Within cheerfull lines they radiate bright with acclaim.

What may not mention to portray you lovely
Injuries, blazes, and shafts,
Gales in your countenance, traps in your hayr,
Bribing all your attributes,
Or else to betray, or torture ensnared souls.

I will render your eyes like morning orbs seem,
Like mild, and fair;
Thy forehead as glass even, and transparent,
And your unkempt hayr
May drift like a calm Zone of the Atmosphere.

Abundant Nature's store (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I’l spend, to adorn
Thy beauties, if your Wellspring of Delight
With matching appreciation
One but release, so we one another favor.

Examining the Verse's Themes

The composition delves the interplay of love and praise, in which the poet addresses a woman who desires his affection. Instead, he proposes a mutual exchange of artistic admiration for personal delights. This language is graceful, combining polished traditions with frank utterances of yearning.

Through the verses, the writer spurns usual themes of one-sided love, including sorrow and lamentation, arguing they dim true grace. He chooses happiness and praise to highlight the woman's features, promising to portray her eyes as bright stars and her locks as flowing air. The method underscores a pragmatic yet clever view on relationships.

Important Aspects of the Piece

  • Shared Agreement: The verse focuses on a suggestion of admiration in trade for delight, emphasizing parity between the persons.
  • Dismissal of Traditional Ideas: The speaker disparages usual artistic devices like sadness and imagery of anguish, favoring positive depictions.
  • Poetic Artistry: The use of diverse verse lengths and cadence showcases the poet's mastery in verse, producing a graceful and captivating read.
Rich Nature's store (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I shall expend, to adorn
Your charms, if your Mine of Joy
Through equall thankfulness
You but open, so we each other bless.

This section captures the central deal, in which the author promises to utilize his creative gifts to honor the lady, in return for her willingness. The phraseology combines spiritual undertones with worldly desires, giving profundity to the work's theme.

Ashley Green
Ashley Green

Tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger passionate about sharing innovative ideas and personal experiences to inspire others.