For a Lady That Desired Me to Love Her

Given that you freely given me permission to love,
What will you act?
Shall I your joy, or ardor stir,
As I commence woo;
Shall you torment, or mock, or love me too?

Each petty charm can disdain, and I
Spight of your hate
Without your leave can perceive, and die;
Grant a nobler Destiny!
’Tis easy to destroy, you can form.

Therefore grant me consent to cherish, & love me too
Lacking purpose
To uplift, as Loves damned defiers do
As whining Poets moan,
Acclaim to their grace, from their weeping eyes.

Sadness is a pool and shows not bright
Thy charm's rayes;
Delights are pure currents, your gaze seem
Sullen in gloomier layes,
In happy numbers they radiate brilliant with acclaim.

Which may not refer to express you lovely
Injuries, flames, and arrows,
Gales in your forehead, snares in your hayr,
Suborning all your attributes,
Or to deceive, or torment trapped hearts.

I’ll cause your vision like dawn suns seem,
Just as soft, and fair;
Thy forehead as Crystall polished, and pure,
While your unkempt hayr
Will stream like a serene Region of the Air.

Abundant Nature’s hoard (which is the Bard's Treasure)
I will expend, to embellish
Your beauties, if your Wellspring of Delight
With matching gratitude
One but open, so we one another favor.

Examining the Poem's Motifs

This piece examines the interplay of passion and praise, as the narrator speaks to a lady who seeks his devotion. Conversely, he proposes a reciprocal exchange of artistic admiration for intimate delights. The wording is elegant, blending courtly norms with frank utterances of desire.

Through the verses, the poet rejects common tropes of unrequited affection, such as grief and tears, arguing they cloud true charm. The speaker prefers joy and acclaim to emphasize the lady's qualities, assuring to portray her vision as bright orbs and her locks as streaming air. The technique highlights a practical yet skillful outlook on connections.

Key Elements of the Piece

• Shared Agreement: The work centers on a offer of admiration in trade for delight, highlighting equality between the parties.
• Dismissal of Conventional Themes: The poet disparages typical artistic tools like sorrow and imagery of suffering, choosing optimistic imagery.
• Artistic Craftsmanship: The application of mixed meter lengths and rhythm demonstrates the author's expertise in verse, producing a fluid and captivating experience.

Rich The natural world's store (which is the Poet’s Riches)
I shall use, to adorn
Your charms, if your Wellspring of Joy
With matching thankfulness
Thou but release, so we mutually favor.

This verse encapsulates the central deal, where the writer pledges to use his inventive talents to celebrate the maiden, in exchange for her openness. The wording blends spiritual overtones with physical yearnings, providing depth to the work's theme.