To a Lady Who Wished Me to Love Her

Given that you freely given me consent to love,
How will you respond?
Am I to your joy, or passion arouse,
As I begin to woo;
Do you torment, or scorn, or cherish me too?

Each petty grace can disdain, and I
Despite your hate
Lacking your consent can observe, and perish;
Dispense a grander Destiny!
It's simple to destroy, you could fashion.

Thus allow me permission to cherish, & love me too
Lacking intent
To elevate, as Affection's damned defiers act
As whining Poets moan,
Acclaim to their grace, from their blubber’d gaze.

Grief is a puddle and reflects not clear
One's charm's lights;
Delights are untainted currents, your vision seem
Sullen in more sorrowful songs,
Through cheerfull numbers they gleam luminous with acclaim.

What may not mention to describe you lovely
Injuries, fires, and shafts,
Tempests in your forehead, nets in your locks,
Corrupting all your features,
Either to betray, or afflict captive affections.

I will make your eyes like dawn orbs look,
As mild, and fayr;
Thy forehead as glass smooth, and transparent,
Whereas your tousled hayr
May flow like a serene Area of the Air.

Abundant Nature's hoard (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I’l expend, to dress
One's graces, if your Mine of Pleasure
With equall appreciation
Thou but unlock, so we one another bless.

Examining the Work's Ideas

The composition examines the dynamics of love and acclaim, in which the speaker speaks to a maiden who desires his affection. Rather, he offers a mutual agreement of literary tribute for private pleasures. This language is refined, blending polished norms with candid statements of yearning.

Through the lines, the author dismisses common motifs of unrequited affection, including sadness and lamentation, arguing they obscure true beauty. The speaker prefers happiness and acclaim to showcase the woman's qualities, assuring to depict her vision as radiant suns and her tresses as streaming breeze. The approach highlights a realistic yet skillful perspective on relationships.

Key Aspects of the Composition

  • Reciprocal Arrangement: The poem focuses on a suggestion of admiration in return for delight, highlighting equality between the persons.
  • Rejection of Standard Themes: The speaker criticizes usual literary techniques like grief and metaphors of pain, favoring optimistic descriptions.
  • Creative Craftsmanship: The application of varied verse lengths and rhythm displays the writer's mastery in composition, forming a fluid and compelling text.
Abundant Nature’s hoard (which is the Bard's Riches)
I’l expend, to dress
Your graces, if your Source of Pleasure
In equal thankfulness
You but open, so we one another bless.

The section captures the central arrangement, as the author vows to utilize his inventive abilities to praise the woman, in exchange for her willingness. This wording mixes devout hints with worldly yearnings, providing complexity to the poem's theme.

Rita Douglas
Rita Douglas

A passionate tech and gaming writer with a knack for uncovering the latest trends in geek culture.