For a Lady Who Desired Me to Show Affection

Now you have bestowed me consent to love,
What shall you act?
Am I to your joy, or emotion stir,
When I begin to woo;
Will you trouble, or disdain, or adore me too?

Every minor charm can disdain, and I
Despite your hate
Without your leave can perceive, and succumb;
Bestow a grander Lot!
’Tis easy to ruin, you may create.

Therefore allow me permission to love, & adore me too
Lacking design
To elevate, as Affection's damned defiers behave
When complaining Bards whine,
Fame to their grace, from their tearful eyes.

Sadness is a pond and mirrors not distinct
One's grace's lights;
Joys are pure streams, your gaze appear
Morose in gloomier verses,
Through joyful verses they shine brilliant with praise.

Which will not refer to portray you fayr
Injuries, flames, and shafts,
Storms in your brow, nets in your locks,
Suborning all your attributes,
Either to betray, or torment captive souls.

I shall make your eyes like morning stars seem,
As gentle, and lovely;
One's countenance as Crystall smooth, and transparent,
While your tousled hair
Will stream like a tranquil Zone of the Air.

Wealthy Nature's treasury (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I will use, to dress
Your beauties, if your Source of Pleasure
Through equal thankfulness
One but unlock, so we each other bless.

Examining the Verse's Motifs

This work examines the dynamics of affection and praise, in which the poet addresses a lady who desires his affection. Instead, he proposes a mutual arrangement of artistic praise for private favors. This language is graceful, blending refined conventions with candid statements of desire.

In the lines, the writer rejects typical themes of unrequited affection, like sorrow and lamentation, stating they cloud true charm. He chooses joy and praise to highlight the lady's qualities, assuring to render her vision as bright stars and her tresses as streaming breeze. This technique highlights a practical yet clever perspective on bonds.

Significant Aspects of the Piece

  • Shared Agreement: The verse centers on a proposal of admiration in trade for enjoyment, highlighting equality between the persons.
  • Rejection of Standard Ideas: The narrator disparages usual artistic tools like sadness and imagery of anguish, choosing optimistic imagery.
  • Artistic Skill: The use of diverse verse lengths and flow demonstrates the writer's expertise in composition, producing a fluid and engaging read.
Rich The natural world's treasury (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I will use, to adorn
Your graces, if your Source of Joy
In equal appreciation
You but unlock, so we mutually favor.

This stanza captures the core deal, in which the writer pledges to utilize his inventive abilities to celebrate the woman, in exchange for her receptiveness. The language combines spiritual undertones with worldly yearnings, giving complexity to the work's meaning.

Heidi Porter
Heidi Porter

Interior designer and home decor enthusiast with over 10 years of experience, sharing practical tips and creative ideas.