For a Lady Who Wished I Would Show Affection

Since you've bestowed me leave to love,
How will you respond?
Will I your joy, or passion move,
As I start to woo;
Do you trouble, or scorn, or love me too?

All trivial grace can scorn, and I
In spite of your dislike
Without your consent can see, and die;
Bestow a nobler Lot!
It is effortless to demolish, you may fashion.

Therefore allow me consent to cherish, & adore me too
Not with design
To elevate, as Affection's cursed insurgents act
When puling Bards lament,
Renown to their charm, from their tearful gaze.

Sorrow is a puddle and shows not bright
Thy charm's beams;
Joyes are clear currents, your eyes look
Sullen in gloomier songs,
Within cheerfull verses they radiate luminous with acclaim.

That shall not mention to express you fair
Injuries, fires, and darts,
Gales in your countenance, traps in your hayr,
Corrupting all your features,
Or else to trick, or torment trapped souls.

I shall make your vision like morning orbs appear,
As gentle, and fair;
Thy brow as glass even, and transparent,
And your tousled hayr
Will drift like a serene Area of the Ayr.

Wealthy Nature’s hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I shall expend, to dress
Your graces, if your Wellspring of Joy
In matching gratitude
One but open, so we one another bless.

Exploring the Work's Ideas

The work delves the dynamics of passion and praise, where the narrator engages with a maiden who desires his affection. Conversely, he offers a shared exchange of literary tribute for private delights. The phraseology is elegant, blending polished conventions with candid statements of longing.

In the stanzas, the poet rejects typical motifs of one-sided affection, including sadness and tears, arguing they cloud true charm. The speaker favors delight and praise to showcase the maiden's attributes, promising to depict her vision as shining orbs and her hair as flowing atmosphere. The approach emphasizes a realistic yet skillful view on bonds.

Key Components of the Piece

  • Shared Arrangement: The work revolves on a suggestion of tribute in exchange for enjoyment, highlighting equality between the persons.
  • Dismissal of Traditional Themes: The poet condemns typical artistic devices like sorrow and imagery of anguish, choosing positive imagery.
  • Poetic Craftsmanship: The use of diverse verse patterns and rhythm demonstrates the author's proficiency in composition, forming a smooth and engaging read.
Wealthy The natural world's store (which is the Bard's Riches)
I will spend, to embellish
Your charms, if your Source of Pleasure
In equal thankfulness
Thou but unlock, so we each other grace.

The section summarizes the core arrangement, in which the author vows to utilize his creative abilities to praise the maiden, as compensation for her openness. The language combines spiritual hints with earthly longings, adding complexity to the verse's meaning.

Karen Hawkins
Karen Hawkins

A dedicated cat advocate and writer based in Toronto, sharing years of experience in feline care and rescue.