For a Lady Who Requested Me to Love Her

Since you've freely given me consent to love,
How will you do?
Will I your delight, or ardor stir,
Once I commence pursue;
Do you distress, or scorn, or cherish me too?

Every minor grace can scorn, and I
Spight of your dislike
Absent your consent can see, and succumb;
Grant a grander Destiny!
It is effortless to ruin, you may form.

Then allow me permission to love, & adore me too
Without purpose
To raise, as Loves accursed defiers behave
As puling Bards lament,
Fame to their beauty, from their tearful gaze.

Grief is a pool and shows not distinct
Your grace's lights;
Delights are untainted streams, your gaze look
Sullen in more sorrowful songs,
Within cheerfull numbers they shine brilliant with prayse.

Which may not refer to describe you fayr
Wounds, blazes, and arrows,
Storms in your forehead, traps in your hayr,
Corrupting all your parts,
Or to trick, or torture trapped hearts.

I will render your eyes like morning suns seem,
As mild, and lovely;
Your countenance as Crystall polished, and clear,
And your tousled hayr
Will stream like a tranquil Area of the Atmosphere.

Wealthy The natural world's store (which is the Writer's Wealth)
I shall use, to embellish
One's charms, if your Mine of Pleasure
With matching appreciation
You but open, so we one another bless.

Exploring the Verse's Themes

This work explores the relationship of affection and praise, where the speaker engages with a maiden who requests his devotion. Rather, he offers a reciprocal exchange of poetic tribute for private pleasures. The phraseology is refined, mixing courtly conventions with frank expressions of desire.

Through the lines, the writer rejects common themes of unrequited affection, including grief and tears, claiming they cloud true beauty. The speaker prefers joy and praise to highlight the lady's attributes, vowing to portray her gaze as bright orbs and her hair as drifting air. The technique highlights a practical yet clever view on bonds.

Important Elements of the Piece

  • Reciprocal Arrangement: The poem focuses on a proposal of admiration in return for pleasure, highlighting balance between the individuals.
  • Rejection of Standard Motifs: The narrator criticizes typical literary tools like grief and imagery of anguish, preferring optimistic descriptions.
  • Artistic Craftsmanship: The use of varied verse patterns and rhythm demonstrates the writer's mastery in composition, producing a fluid and engaging experience.
Rich The natural world's store (which is the Poet’s Treasure)
I shall expend, to adorn
Your charms, if your Mine of Delight
In equall gratitude
One but unlock, so we mutually favor.

This stanza captures the essential deal, as the writer promises to employ his creative gifts to honor the woman, in return for her openness. The wording blends devout hints with earthly yearnings, giving complexity to the verse's theme.

John Waller
John Waller

A passionate urbanist and writer, Elara shares her experiences and research on city dynamics and personal development.