To a Lady That Wished I Would Love Her

Now you have freely given me consent to love,
What will you act?
Shall I your mirth, or passion arouse,
As I start to pursue;
Shall you distress, or scorn, or cherish me too?

Each petty grace can disdain, and I
In spite of your hate
Absent your permission can see, and succumb;
Grant a grander Fate!
’Tis easy to ruin, you can fashion.

Therefore allow me leave to cherish, & cherish me too
Without purpose
To raise, as Affection's cursed defiers act
When whining Poets whine,
Renown to their beauty, from their blubber’d gaze.

Sadness is a pool and reflects not clear
Your charm's beams;
Joys are pure streams, your vision look
Sullen in gloomier verses,
In cheerfull numbers they shine brilliant with prayse.

Which shall not allude to describe you lovely
Injuries, fires, and darts,
Gales in your forehead, traps in your hair,
Suborning all your attributes,
Or to trick, or torment captive hearts.

I will cause your eyes like dawn orbs look,
Just as soft, and fair;
Your countenance as crystal even, and pure,
Whereas your tousled hayr
Will stream like a calm Area of the Ayr.

Wealthy The natural world's treasury (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I’l expend, to adorn
Thy charms, if your Mine of Joy
Through equall thankfulness
Thou but release, so we mutually favor.

Exploring the Work's Themes

The work explores the interplay of passion and praise, where the narrator engages with a lady who requests his love. Conversely, he suggests a reciprocal exchange of artistic praise for private favors. This language is graceful, blending refined conventions with frank expressions of longing.

In the stanzas, the author dismisses typical motifs of unrequited passion, including sadness and weeping, claiming they obscure true charm. He prefers happiness and acclaim to showcase the lady's features, vowing to depict her vision as shining stars and her hair as streaming air. The approach highlights a realistic yet skillful view on bonds.

Key Elements of the Piece

• Reciprocal Exchange: The work focuses on a suggestion of tribute in exchange for enjoyment, highlighting equality between the individuals.
• Dismissal of Standard Motifs: The narrator criticizes usual artistic techniques like sadness and metaphors of pain, choosing positive descriptions.
• Creative Craftsmanship: The use of varied meter patterns and rhythm demonstrates the author's mastery in composition, forming a smooth and compelling read.

Abundant Nature's treasury (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I shall expend, to dress
Thy charms, if your Source of Joy
In matching gratitude
Thou but unlock, so we each other bless.

The section summarizes the essential deal, in which the poet vows to utilize his artistic gifts to praise the maiden, in exchange for her receptiveness. This language combines devout hints with worldly yearnings, adding depth to the work's theme.