For a Lady That Requested I Would Show Affection
Given that you granted me permission to love,
What shall you respond?
Will I your joy, or emotion move,
As I begin to court;
Shall you torment, or mock, or cherish me too?
Each petty charm can scorn, and I
Despite your dislike
Without your permission can perceive, and perish;
Grant a nobler Destiny!
It's simple to destroy, you could create.
Thus give me permission to cherish, & cherish me too
Not with purpose
To raise, as Affection's damned rebels behave
As whining Versifiers lament,
Fame to their grace, from their tearful eyes.
Sadness is a puddle and shows not distinct
Thy grace's rayes;
Delights are untainted currents, your vision look
Gloomy in sadder songs,
Through cheerfull numbers they shine luminous with praise.
What may not refer to portray you fair
Harms, flames, and arrows,
Storms in your forehead, snares in your locks,
Bribing all your attributes,
Or else to deceive, or torture captive affections.
I shall render your vision like sunrise suns appear,
Like gentle, and lovely;
One's countenance as glass even, and pure,
Whereas your dishevelled locks
Will stream like a serene Region of the Atmosphere.
Wealthy The natural world's hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I shall use, to dress
Your beauties, if your Source of Joy
Through equal gratitude
One but unlock, so we each other favor.
Exploring the Verse's Themes
The work examines the interplay of affection and acclaim, in which the speaker addresses a lady who seeks his affection. Conversely, he proposes a mutual agreement of literary admiration for intimate pleasures. The language is graceful, mixing polished traditions with frank expressions of desire.
Through the stanzas, the author spurns usual motifs of unreturned affection, such as grief and tears, claiming they dim true charm. He prefers joy and praise to highlight the woman's attributes, assuring to depict her eyes as radiant stars and her locks as streaming air. The approach emphasizes a pragmatic yet artful perspective on bonds.
Important Elements of the Composition
- Mutual Exchange: The poem focuses on a suggestion of tribute in trade for delight, highlighting parity between the persons.
- Spurning of Standard Themes: The speaker disparages typical literary techniques like sadness and metaphors of suffering, favoring positive imagery.
- Poetic Craftsmanship: The use of varied meter measures and cadence demonstrates the author's proficiency in composition, producing a smooth and engaging experience.
Wealthy Nature’s treasury (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I shall use, to embellish
Thy charms, if your Mine of Joy
In equall thankfulness
One but unlock, so we one another bless.
This section summarizes the essential deal, where the poet vows to utilize his creative gifts to praise the woman, in exchange for her willingness. This language combines pious overtones with earthly desires, giving profundity to the poem's meaning.