To a Lady That Wished I Would Show Affection

Since you've freely given me permission to love,
What shall you do?
Am I to your mirth, or emotion stir,
Once I start to woo;
Shall you trouble, or scorn, or cherish me too?

Each petty charm can disdain, and I
In spite of your hate
Lacking your permission can perceive, and succumb;
Grant a loftier Destiny!
It's simple to demolish, you may fashion.

Thus allow me leave to love, & love me too
Without intent
To elevate, as Loves cursed rebels behave
As whining Versifiers whine,
Acclaim to their charm, from their tearful gaze.

Grief is a puddle and shows not bright
One's beauty’s lights;
Delights are clear streames, your gaze seem
Morose in sadder songs,
Within happy verses they shine luminous with praise.

That shall not refer to describe you fair
Harms, flames, and darts,
Tempests in your forehead, snares in your hair,
Suborning all your features,
Either to betray, or torment trapped hearts.

I’ll render your vision like sunrise orbs look,
Just as gentle, and fair;
Thy forehead as crystal polished, and clear,
And your tousled hair
Will stream like a tranquil Area of the Air.

Wealthy Nature's treasury (which is the Bard's Wealth)
I shall spend, to dress
One's charms, if your Source of Delight
In equall appreciation
You but release, so we mutually bless.

Exploring the Work's Themes

The piece examines the dynamics of love and praise, in which the narrator addresses a maiden who desires his love. Conversely, he suggests a reciprocal arrangement of poetic praise for intimate pleasures. This language is graceful, combining courtly norms with direct statements of longing.

Through the verses, the author rejects common motifs of unreturned love, like sadness and tears, stating they dim true grace. He chooses joy and admiration to highlight the lady's attributes, assuring to portray her eyes as radiant suns and her locks as drifting breeze. The method underscores a pragmatic yet clever outlook on relationships.

Key Elements of the Composition

  • Mutual Agreement: The poem revolves on a suggestion of tribute in exchange for enjoyment, highlighting parity between the persons.
  • Spurning of Conventional Ideas: The poet disparages usual literary devices like sorrow and metaphors of suffering, choosing positive imagery.
  • Poetic Craftsmanship: The use of mixed verse lengths and cadence showcases the writer's mastery in poetry, producing a smooth and compelling read.
Abundant Nature’s hoard (which is the Poet’s Wealth)
I shall spend, to dress
Your beauties, if your Mine of Pleasure
With matching gratitude
You but open, so we mutually favor.

This stanza encapsulates the essential arrangement, as the poet vows to use his artistic talents to honor the woman, in return for her openness. This language blends spiritual undertones with earthly yearnings, adding profundity to the poem's meaning.

Amanda Estrada
Amanda Estrada

Marco is an archaeologist and historian specializing in Roman antiquity, with over 15 years of experience in excavating and studying Pompeii's artifacts.