To a Lady That Wished Me to Show Affection

Since you've bestowed me permission to love,
How will you act?
Will I your mirth, or emotion stir,
When I begin to pursue;
Will you distress, or mock, or adore me too?

Every minor charm can scorn, and I
Spight of your dislike
Lacking your consent can perceive, and succumb;
Grant a grander Lot!
It's simple to ruin, you could create.

Then allow me permission to adore, & cherish me too
Not with intent
To raise, as Loves cursed insurgents behave
While puling Versifiers moan,
Acclaim to their grace, from their blubber’d eyne.

Sorrow is a puddle and shows not clear
Thy beauty’s beams;
Joyes are untainted currents, your eyes seem
Sullen in more sorrowful verses,
Within cheerfull verses they gleam bright with prayse.

That shall not allude to describe you fayr
Injuries, blazes, and darts,
Storms in your forehead, traps in your hayr,
Corrupting all your attributes,
Either to deceive, or torture trapped affections.

I shall make your vision like dawn stars look,
Just as soft, and lovely;
One's brow as crystal polished, and pure,
Whereas your dishevelled hair
Shall drift like a calm Zone of the Atmosphere.

Rich Nature’s treasury (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I will use, to embellish
Thy beauties, if your Wellspring of Joy
In matching thankfulness
Thou but release, so we each other favor.

Examining the Verse's Themes

This piece explores the dynamics of affection and admiration, where the speaker engages with a woman who requests his devotion. Conversely, he offers a shared agreement of poetic praise for intimate pleasures. The wording is graceful, blending refined conventions with frank expressions of longing.

Within the verses, the poet dismisses typical themes of unreturned passion, such as sadness and tears, stating they dim true beauty. The speaker chooses joy and acclaim to showcase the woman's attributes, vowing to render her eyes as shining stars and her tresses as streaming atmosphere. This method emphasizes a realistic yet clever view on bonds.

Key Elements of the Work

  • Reciprocal Arrangement: The work centers on a suggestion of praise in exchange for pleasure, highlighting parity between the parties.
  • Spurning of Standard Themes: The speaker condemns common poetic tools like sadness and imagery of anguish, favoring upbeat depictions.
  • Artistic Craftsmanship: The use of varied meter measures and rhythm displays the writer's expertise in poetry, creating a fluid and engaging experience.
Rich Nature's treasury (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I shall use, to embellish
Thy beauties, if your Mine of Delight
With equall gratitude
Thou but release, so we each other favor.

This verse captures the essential arrangement, where the writer promises to use his inventive abilities to praise the maiden, in exchange for her openness. The wording blends devout overtones with physical longings, adding profundity to the poem's theme.

Sheila Orozco
Sheila Orozco

A passionate local guide with over 10 years of experience in sharing Bergamo's rich history and hidden gems with visitors from around the world.