Addressing a Lady That Wished I Would Love Her

Now you have granted me leave to love,
How will you do?
Will I your mirth, or emotion arouse,
As I begin to pursue;
Will you distress, or disdain, or love me too?

Every minor charm can scorn, and I
In spite of your dislike
Without your leave can perceive, and succumb;
Grant a loftier Lot!
’Tis easy to demolish, you may form.

Then give me leave to cherish, & adore me too
Not with intent
To uplift, as Affection's damned insurgents act
When whining Bards lament,
Fame to their charm, from their weeping gaze.

Grief is a pool and shows not distinct
Thy grace's lights;
Delights are clear streams, your eyes seem
Gloomy in sadder layes,
In joyful verses they gleam luminous with acclaim.

What will not mention to express you lovely
Wounds, flames, and shafts,
Gales in your countenance, traps in your hair,
Corrupting all your features,
Either to trick, or torment trapped souls.

I’ll make your eyes like dawn orbs appear,
As mild, and lovely;
Thy forehead as crystal smooth, and clear,
And your dishevelled hair
May drift like a calm Area of the Ayr.

Abundant Nature’s store (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I shall use, to adorn
One's graces, if your Mine of Pleasure
With equall thankfulness
Thou but release, so we one another bless.

Examining the Poem's Themes

This composition explores the interplay of passion and praise, as the speaker speaks to a maiden who seeks his love. Instead, he proposes a shared agreement of literary admiration for private favors. The phraseology is refined, mixing polished traditions with candid expressions of yearning.

In the stanzas, the poet rejects usual themes of one-sided affection, such as grief and lamentation, stating they dim true charm. The speaker favors joy and praise to emphasize the woman's features, promising to portray her gaze as bright stars and her hair as drifting atmosphere. This method emphasizes a pragmatic yet clever outlook on connections.

Important Aspects of the Piece

  • Shared Agreement: The work revolves on a proposal of admiration in exchange for pleasure, stressing parity between the parties.
  • Rejection of Traditional Motifs: The speaker disparages common literary techniques like grief and metaphors of suffering, choosing upbeat imagery.
  • Artistic Artistry: The application of diverse verse patterns and rhythm displays the poet's proficiency in composition, creating a fluid and captivating experience.
Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I’l use, to embellish
Your graces, if your Source of Delight
With matching gratitude
Thou but unlock, so we one another grace.

This verse captures the core bargain, in which the poet pledges to use his artistic abilities to honor the woman, in return for her receptiveness. The phraseology combines devout hints with physical desires, giving complexity to the verse's message.

Rachel Campbell
Rachel Campbell

Landscape designer and outdoor living enthusiast with over a decade of experience in creating beautiful, functional garden spaces.