To a Lady Who Wished I Would Love Her
Given that you granted me consent to love,
How will you do?
Am I to your delight, or emotion arouse,
When I begin to pursue;
Do you trouble, or disdain, or love me too?
Each petty charm can disdain, and I
Despite your dislike
Absent your consent can perceive, and perish;
Grant a loftier Lot!
’Tis easy to destroy, you can create.
Then allow me leave to cherish, & cherish me too
Lacking intent
To elevate, as Affection's damned rebels behave
While puling Poets moan,
Fame to their grace, from their tearful eyes.
Sorrow is a puddle and shows not bright
Your beauty’s beams;
Joys are untainted streames, your eyes seem
Gloomy in sadder songs,
Through happy lines they shine brilliant with acclaim.
That may not refer to portray you lovely
Injuries, fires, and darts,
Gales in your brow, nets in your locks,
Corrupting all your features,
Either to deceive, or torture trapped hearts.
I’ll make your eyes like sunrise suns seem,
Just as mild, and lovely;
One's forehead as crystal even, and pure,
While your tousled hayr
Will stream like a serene Area of the Ayr.
Abundant Nature’s hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I will use, to embellish
Your graces, if your Mine of Joy
Through equal gratitude
You but release, so we one another favor.
Exploring the Verse's Themes
The work delves the interplay of passion and acclaim, in which the speaker engages with a lady who seeks his affection. Conversely, he offers a shared exchange of artistic tribute for private favors. The phraseology is refined, blending courtly traditions with frank expressions of desire.
In the stanzas, the poet dismisses typical themes of one-sided passion, including sadness and weeping, stating they obscure true grace. The speaker chooses joy and acclaim to emphasize the lady's features, vowing to depict her vision as bright stars and her hair as flowing air. This method highlights a pragmatic yet clever view on relationships.
Key Elements of the Composition
- Mutual Exchange: The poem centers on a suggestion of praise in return for enjoyment, stressing parity between the individuals.
- Spurning of Standard Motifs: The speaker criticizes common artistic tools like sorrow and imagery of suffering, choosing upbeat descriptions.
- Creative Skill: The employment of diverse line patterns and rhythm showcases the poet's expertise in composition, producing a graceful and captivating experience.
Wealthy Nature's treasury (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I will expend, to embellish
One's graces, if your Source of Joy
In matching gratitude
You but unlock, so we one another favor.
This stanza summarizes the central arrangement, as the author vows to utilize his artistic talents to honor the lady, as compensation for her willingness. The language mixes pious undertones with earthly yearnings, adding complexity to the verse's message.