To a Lady Who Desired I Would Show Affection

Now you have bestowed me leave to love,
What will you act?
Will I your mirth, or ardor arouse,
When I begin to court;
Shall you torment, or scorn, or love me too?

Every minor beauty can scorn, and I
Spight of your dislike
Lacking your leave can perceive, and succumb;
Bestow a nobler Destiny!
It is effortless to demolish, you may create.

Thus grant me leave to love, & cherish me too
Without design
To elevate, as Loves damned rebels do
When puling Poets moan,
Acclaim to their grace, from their tearful eyne.

Grief is a puddle and mirrors not bright
Thy grace's rayes;
Joys are pure currents, your gaze seem
Gloomy in sadder verses,
In joyful numbers they gleam brilliant with praise.

That shall not allude to portray you lovely
Harms, blazes, and shafts,
Storms in your brow, snares in your hair,
Suborning all your attributes,
Or else to betray, or torment trapped affections.

I’ll render your eyes like sunrise stars look,
As soft, and lovely;
Your countenance as glass even, and clear,
And your dishevelled hair
May stream like a tranquil Region of the Ayr.

Wealthy Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I’l use, to dress
Your beauties, if your Mine of Delight
Through equal gratitude
You but release, so we one another favor.

Examining the Poem's Ideas

The piece explores the dynamics of passion and acclaim, where the narrator addresses a maiden who desires his devotion. Instead, he offers a mutual arrangement of artistic tribute for private delights. The wording is refined, combining polished conventions with frank expressions of desire.

Through the stanzas, the poet spurns common themes of one-sided affection, including grief and tears, stating they dim true grace. The speaker prefers delight and acclaim to highlight the lady's features, assuring to portray her eyes as radiant orbs and her locks as flowing breeze. The approach highlights a practical yet skillful perspective on relationships.

Key Components of the Composition

• Shared Agreement: The verse focuses on a proposal of admiration in exchange for enjoyment, stressing equality between the persons.
• Spurning of Traditional Ideas: The narrator disparages usual artistic devices like grief and metaphors of suffering, choosing upbeat imagery.
• Poetic Craftsmanship: The use of mixed meter measures and flow demonstrates the author's mastery in verse, creating a smooth and compelling read.

Abundant Nature’s treasury (which is the Bard's Riches)
I shall use, to dress
Thy charms, if your Mine of Joy
Through matching gratitude
One but unlock, so we each other bless.

The stanza summarizes the essential deal, where the poet pledges to employ his artistic gifts to honor the maiden, as compensation for her openness. This phraseology mixes spiritual undertones with worldly yearnings, giving profundity to the verse's theme.