Addressing a Lady That Wished I Would Love Her

Now you have granted me consent to love,
How will you do?
Am I to your joy, or emotion move,
As I commence pursue;
Shall you trouble, or scorn, or adore me too?

Each petty beauty can disdain, and I
Despite your dislike
Without your permission can see, and die;
Dispense a nobler Destiny!
It's simple to demolish, you could create.

Therefore give me leave to adore, & love me too
Without design
To elevate, as Affection's damned rebels behave
As puling Bards whine,
Renown to their grace, from their tearful eyne.

Sorrow is a pond and reflects not clear
Thy grace's rayes;
Delights are untainted streams, your vision seem
Morose in gloomier songs,
In joyful lines they radiate brilliant with acclaim.

Which may not refer to portray you fayr
Injuries, flames, and shafts,
Gales in your brow, snares in your locks,
Corrupting all your attributes,
Either to trick, or torment captive hearts.

I shall make your vision like sunrise orbs seem,
Just as mild, and lovely;
One's forehead as crystal polished, and transparent,
Whereas your tousled locks
Shall stream like a calm Region of the Ayr.

Wealthy Nature’s store (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I’l expend, to adorn
One's graces, if your Source of Delight
With equall thankfulness
One but open, so we each other bless.

Exploring the Work's Ideas

The piece explores the interplay of passion and admiration, where the poet engages with a lady who desires his devotion. Rather, he offers a mutual agreement of artistic admiration for private delights. The phraseology is elegant, blending polished traditions with direct utterances of yearning.

Through the stanzas, the writer spurns usual motifs of unrequited passion, including sorrow and weeping, arguing they dim true beauty. He favors happiness and admiration to highlight the lady's features, vowing to render her eyes as bright stars and her locks as flowing breeze. The technique emphasizes a practical yet clever outlook on relationships.

Significant Components of the Piece

  • Mutual Exchange: The poem focuses on a offer of tribute in return for pleasure, highlighting parity between the parties.
  • Dismissal of Traditional Motifs: The poet condemns common literary devices like sorrow and metaphors of anguish, preferring positive imagery.
  • Artistic Artistry: The use of diverse verse patterns and rhythm showcases the writer's mastery in verse, forming a smooth and captivating experience.
Abundant Nature’s treasury (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I’l expend, to adorn
Your graces, if your Source of Joy
Through equal appreciation
You but unlock, so we one another grace.

This section captures the core deal, as the author promises to use his artistic abilities to honor the maiden, in exchange for her willingness. The phraseology combines devout hints with physical desires, adding profundity to the verse's meaning.

Malik Mckay
Malik Mckay

A passionate horticulturist and sustainability advocate with over a decade of experience in urban gardening and environmental education.