For a Lady That Wished Me to Love Her

Now you have bestowed me leave to love,
What shall you do?
Am I to your joy, or ardor move,
Once I commence court;
Shall you distress, or disdain, or love me too?

Each petty charm can scorn, and I
Spight of your aversion
Without your permission can perceive, and succumb;
Bestow a loftier Lot!
It is effortless to demolish, you can fashion.

Then grant me permission to cherish, & love me too
Lacking intent
To elevate, as Loves cursed rebels behave
When whining Bards lament,
Acclaim to their charm, from their tearful gaze.

Grief is a pond and shows not distinct
Thy beauty’s lights;
Joys are untainted streams, your eyes look
Sullen in gloomier verses,
Through joyful numbers they gleam brilliant with prayse.

What may not refer to express you lovely
Harms, blazes, and darts,
Storms in your forehead, snares in your locks,
Bribing all your parts,
Either to trick, or torment trapped souls.

I will cause your vision like dawn suns appear,
Like soft, and lovely;
Thy forehead as glass polished, and pure,
And your tousled locks
May drift like a serene Area of the Air.

Wealthy Nature's treasury (which is the Bard's Riches)
I’l use, to dress
Thy graces, if your Wellspring of Delight
Through equall thankfulness
You but release, so we one another grace.

Delving into the Verse's Themes

The composition delves the interplay of passion and acclaim, as the poet speaks to a woman who requests his love. Rather, he proposes a shared exchange of literary praise for intimate pleasures. The phraseology is graceful, mixing polished conventions with direct statements of yearning.

In the lines, the poet spurns usual tropes of one-sided affection, such as sorrow and lamentation, stating they dim true beauty. The speaker favors joy and admiration to emphasize the maiden's qualities, promising to portray her vision as radiant stars and her hair as streaming air. This method underscores a practical yet artful outlook on relationships.

Key Aspects of the Piece

  • Shared Exchange: The verse focuses on a suggestion of tribute in exchange for delight, emphasizing parity between the parties.
  • Spurning of Traditional Motifs: The poet disparages typical literary tools like sadness and metaphors of pain, favoring upbeat depictions.
  • Poetic Craftsmanship: The employment of mixed line measures and flow displays the poet's proficiency in composition, forming a smooth and captivating read.
Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Poet’s Riches)
I’l spend, to adorn
One's charms, if your Wellspring of Delight
Through equall appreciation
One but unlock, so we each other grace.

The verse encapsulates the core deal, in which the author vows to employ his artistic gifts to celebrate the maiden, in exchange for her receptiveness. The phraseology mixes devout overtones with earthly longings, adding complexity to the poem's message.

Todd Peterson
Todd Peterson

Travel enthusiast and local expert sharing insights on Sardinian accommodations and hidden gems.