For a Lady That Requested Me to Show Affection

Now you have freely given me leave to love,
What will you do?
Am I to your joy, or emotion arouse,
As I commence pursue;
Will you distress, or scorn, or adore me too?

Each petty charm can reject, and I
In spite of your hate
Absent your permission can see, and perish;
Grant a nobler Lot!
It is effortless to demolish, you could form.

Thus give me permission to love, & cherish me too
Lacking design
To uplift, as Love's cursed rebels act
While whining Bards whine,
Renown to their charm, from their weeping gaze.

Sadness is a pool and mirrors not bright
One's beauty’s beams;
Joys are clear streames, your vision look
Gloomy in more sorrowful songs,
Through cheerfull numbers they gleam bright with prayse.

That shall not mention to portray you fair
Injuries, flames, and darts,
Gales in your forehead, snares in your hair,
Corrupting all your features,
Or else to trick, or torture trapped hearts.

I will make your vision like sunrise suns seem,
Just as gentle, and fair;
One's countenance as crystal even, and transparent,
While your dishevelled hair
Shall stream like a calm Area of the Atmosphere.

Abundant Nature's treasury (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I will use, to adorn
One's graces, if your Wellspring of Delight
With equall gratitude
You but unlock, so we mutually favor.

Examining the Poem's Motifs

The work delves the interplay of passion and acclaim, as the poet addresses a maiden who requests his devotion. Rather, he offers a reciprocal exchange of poetic tribute for personal pleasures. This phraseology is refined, blending courtly norms with candid statements of longing.

Through the verses, the poet rejects usual tropes of unrequited affection, including sorrow and tears, stating they obscure true grace. He chooses happiness and praise to highlight the lady's qualities, assuring to render her eyes as radiant suns and her locks as drifting air. The method underscores a realistic yet clever outlook on relationships.

Significant Elements of the Piece

  • Mutual Agreement: The work centers on a suggestion of praise in exchange for pleasure, stressing balance between the parties.
  • Dismissal of Traditional Themes: The speaker criticizes common artistic devices like sorrow and imagery of anguish, preferring upbeat depictions.
  • Poetic Artistry: The use of varied verse patterns and rhythm showcases the writer's proficiency in verse, creating a fluid and captivating experience.
Wealthy The natural world's store (which is the Bard's Riches)
I will use, to dress
Thy beauties, if your Wellspring of Delight
With matching appreciation
One but release, so we one another grace.

The section captures the central bargain, where the author promises to employ his artistic abilities to honor the lady, as compensation for her willingness. This language mixes pious overtones with worldly longings, providing complexity to the work's theme.

Kathy Cook
Kathy Cook

Marco is a travel enthusiast and car rental expert based in Cagliari, sharing tips and insights for exploring Sardinia by car.