Since you've granted me consent to love,
What will you respond?
Will I your delight, or ardor stir,
When I begin to court;
Do you torment, or mock, or love me too?
All trivial grace can disdain, and I
Spight of your dislike
Without your leave can see, and die;
Grant a loftier Lot!
’Tis easy to demolish, you can form.
Then allow me permission to cherish, & love me too
Lacking intent
To raise, as Affection's accursed rebels behave
While puling Bards whine,
Acclaim to their beauty, from their weeping gaze.
Grief is a pool and reflects not bright
Your beauty’s beams;
Joys are pure streames, your gaze appear
Sullen in gloomier verses,
Through cheerfull numbers they gleam brilliant with praise.
What will not allude to portray you lovely
Wounds, blazes, and darts,
Tempests in your brow, traps in your hayr,
Bribing all your parts,
Or to deceive, or afflict captive affections.
I shall make your gaze like dawn stars look,
Just as mild, and lovely;
Your forehead as Crystall smooth, and transparent,
And your unkempt hair
Shall stream like a calm Region of the Ayr.
Abundant The natural world's treasury (which is the Writer's Riches)
I’l use, to dress
Your beauties, if your Source of Pleasure
With equall thankfulness
Thou but release, so we each other favor.
Delving into the Work's Themes
The composition examines the relationship of affection and praise, where the poet engages with a lady who desires his devotion. Instead, he offers a mutual exchange of literary tribute for intimate delights. This wording is graceful, combining refined norms with frank statements of desire.
In the lines, the poet spurns typical tropes of unrequited passion, like sorrow and lamentation, arguing they dim true charm. The speaker favors happiness and praise to emphasize the maiden's features, vowing to portray her vision as radiant orbs and her tresses as flowing atmosphere. The technique underscores a pragmatic yet artful view on bonds.
Key Components of the Piece
- Reciprocal Exchange: The poem revolves on a offer of tribute in return for enjoyment, highlighting balance between the individuals.
- Rejection of Traditional Ideas: The speaker condemns common artistic techniques like sadness and metaphors of suffering, choosing optimistic depictions.
- Creative Skill: The application of diverse line measures and rhythm demonstrates the poet's mastery in composition, producing a graceful and captivating read.
Rich Nature's store (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I will expend, to embellish
Thy beauties, if your Source of Pleasure
With equall appreciation
You but open, so we mutually favor.
The verse summarizes the central deal, in which the writer promises to utilize his inventive gifts to honor the woman, in exchange for her receptiveness. This phraseology combines pious overtones with worldly longings, adding complexity to the verse's meaning.
