For a Lady That Desired I Would Show Affection

Given that you granted me permission to love,
What shall you do?
Am I to your delight, or passion move,
As I commence woo;
Shall you distress, or scorn, or cherish me too?

All trivial charm can reject, and I
In spite of your dislike
Absent your permission can perceive, and die;
Grant a nobler Lot!
’Tis easy to demolish, you could form.

Therefore allow me permission to adore, & love me too
Not with design
To raise, as Affection's damned rebels behave
When whining Bards moan,
Acclaim to their charm, from their blubber’d eyne.

Sadness is a pool and reflects not distinct
Your charm's rayes;
Joys are untainted streames, your gaze appear
Sullen in more sorrowful layes,
In happy lines they shine luminous with praise.

What shall not mention to express you fair
Wounds, fires, and arrows,
Tempests in your forehead, traps in your hair,
Corrupting all your parts,
Or else to deceive, or torment ensnared hearts.

I shall render your gaze like sunrise orbs seem,
As gentle, and lovely;
Your countenance as crystal polished, and clear,
Whereas your unkempt hair
Shall stream like a tranquil Area of the Air.

Abundant The natural world's hoard (which is the Bard's Riches)
I’l spend, to adorn
One's graces, if your Source of Pleasure
In matching appreciation
One but release, so we one another grace.

Delving into the Work's Ideas

The composition explores the relationship of affection and praise, as the poet addresses a lady who requests his love. Rather, he proposes a reciprocal exchange of artistic tribute for private pleasures. The wording is graceful, blending refined conventions with direct expressions of desire.

Within the verses, the poet dismisses typical motifs of unreturned affection, including sadness and lamentation, claiming they cloud true charm. The speaker prefers delight and admiration to showcase the woman's features, promising to portray her vision as bright orbs and her tresses as flowing breeze. The technique highlights a realistic yet artful outlook on relationships.

Important Elements of the Work

  • Shared Arrangement: The poem focuses on a offer of praise in exchange for enjoyment, emphasizing parity between the parties.
  • Dismissal of Traditional Motifs: The speaker disparages common artistic devices like sorrow and metaphors of pain, choosing upbeat depictions.
  • Poetic Skill: The use of varied line patterns and flow showcases the writer's mastery in verse, forming a smooth and engaging text.
Wealthy Nature’s hoard (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I will use, to adorn
Thy graces, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
With equall thankfulness
One but release, so we one another bless.

The section summarizes the core deal, as the author promises to use his inventive gifts to honor the woman, in exchange for her openness. The language combines spiritual undertones with earthly yearnings, adding profundity to the verse's message.

Austin Vaughn
Austin Vaughn

A passionate travel writer and Venice local, sharing insider knowledge and love for Italian culture.