Addressing a Lady That Desired I Would Love Her

Now you have freely given me leave to love,
What will you act?
Am I to your joy, or ardor arouse,
As I begin to woo;
Shall you trouble, or mock, or adore me too?

All trivial grace can disdain, and I
Spight of your dislike
Lacking your consent can observe, and perish;
Dispense a nobler Lot!
’Tis easy to ruin, you can form.

Then give me leave to adore, & love me too
Not with design
To uplift, as Loves accursed rebels act
When complaining Poets moan,
Renown to their grace, from their weeping eyne.

Sorrow is a pool and mirrors not clear
Thy beauty’s lights;
Joyes are clear currents, your vision look
Sullen in gloomier layes,
In cheerfull verses they shine brilliant with prayse.

Which may not allude to describe you fayr
Injuries, blazes, and darts,
Gales in your brow, traps in your hayr,
Corrupting all your features,
Either to betray, or torment ensnared souls.

I shall make your gaze like dawn orbs seem,
Just as mild, and lovely;
One's countenance as Crystall smooth, and transparent,
Whereas your unkempt hair
May stream like a tranquil Area of the Ayr.

Rich Nature’s hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I’l spend, to dress
One's graces, if your Mine of Joy
With matching appreciation
You but release, so we mutually grace.

Examining the Verse's Motifs

This composition explores the dynamics of affection and praise, as the narrator speaks to a maiden who requests his devotion. Instead, he suggests a reciprocal exchange of poetic praise for private favors. This wording is refined, combining refined conventions with direct statements of yearning.

In the lines, the writer rejects usual tropes of one-sided love, like sorrow and tears, arguing they obscure true beauty. He prefers delight and acclaim to showcase the lady's qualities, assuring to portray her eyes as radiant orbs and her hair as streaming breeze. The approach underscores a practical yet clever view on bonds.

Key Components of the Piece

  • Mutual Agreement: The verse focuses on a suggestion of tribute in exchange for delight, stressing equality between the individuals.
  • Rejection of Traditional Motifs: The speaker condemns usual artistic techniques like grief and similes of suffering, choosing positive descriptions.
  • Poetic Skill: The application of varied verse patterns and flow displays the writer's proficiency in verse, producing a smooth and compelling text.
Abundant Nature’s store (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I shall expend, to embellish
One's beauties, if your Wellspring of Joy
Through matching appreciation
Thou but release, so we mutually bless.

The verse encapsulates the central deal, where the poet promises to utilize his inventive talents to celebrate the maiden, in return for her openness. This wording mixes spiritual overtones with earthly yearnings, providing profundity to the poem's theme.

Cody Carroll
Cody Carroll

A passionate horticulturist with over a decade of experience in organic gardening and sustainable practices.

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