Addressing a Lady Who Requested I Would Love Her

Since you've freely given me consent to love,
What shall you do?
Shall I your joy, or emotion stir,
Once I start to court;
Shall you torment, or scorn, or cherish me too?

Every minor beauty can disdain, and I
Spight of your aversion
Lacking your consent can perceive, and succumb;
Bestow a nobler Lot!
It's simple to ruin, you may create.

Therefore grant me consent to adore, & cherish me too
Lacking design
To raise, as Love's cursed defiers behave
While whining Bards moan,
Renown to their charm, from their weeping eyne.

Grief is a puddle and reflects not distinct
Thy charm's lights;
Joys are untainted streames, your gaze appear
Morose in gloomier layes,
Within happy verses they gleam bright with praise.

That may not mention to describe you fayr
Injuries, flames, and arrows,
Tempests in your brow, traps in your locks,
Bribing all your features,
Either to betray, or torture ensnared affections.

I’ll make your vision like sunrise suns look,
Like mild, and lovely;
One's forehead as Crystall smooth, and pure,
And your dishevelled hair
Will drift like a calm Zone of the Ayr.

Abundant Nature's store (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I will spend, to adorn
Thy graces, if your Mine of Delight
Through matching gratitude
One but unlock, so we each other favor.

Examining the Work's Motifs

This work examines the interplay of affection and acclaim, where the narrator speaks to a lady who desires his affection. Instead, he suggests a reciprocal agreement of artistic praise for private favors. The language is elegant, combining refined norms with direct expressions of desire.

Within the verses, the writer rejects usual motifs of one-sided affection, including sorrow and weeping, stating they dim true grace. He prefers joy and praise to highlight the maiden's qualities, vowing to render her eyes as shining suns and her hair as drifting air. The technique underscores a practical yet clever perspective on bonds.

Significant Components of the Composition

  • Reciprocal Arrangement: The poem revolves on a suggestion of tribute in return for enjoyment, highlighting parity between the individuals.
  • Spurning of Traditional Themes: The poet condemns usual artistic techniques like grief and imagery of pain, favoring optimistic imagery.
  • Creative Skill: The application of mixed line measures and rhythm showcases the writer's expertise in poetry, creating a graceful and engaging experience.
Abundant The natural world's treasury (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I shall use, to embellish
Your charms, if your Source of Delight
In equal gratitude
You but release, so we one another favor.

The stanza captures the central deal, in which the writer promises to employ his artistic talents to honor the maiden, as compensation for her openness. The language mixes pious undertones with worldly longings, adding depth to the poem's message.

Kevin Jordan
Kevin Jordan

A passionate historian and travel writer dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems of Italian cultural heritage.