Given that you freely given me permission to love,
What shall you act?
Am I to your mirth, or ardor arouse,
Once I commence court;
Shall you trouble, or disdain, or love me too?
Each petty beauty can scorn, and I
In spite of your dislike
Absent your leave can see, and perish;
Grant a grander Destiny!
It's simple to ruin, you may fashion.
Therefore allow me permission to cherish, & cherish me too
Not with design
To uplift, as Love's cursed insurgents behave
While puling Bards moan,
Acclaim to their charm, from their weeping gaze.
Sadness is a puddle and mirrors not distinct
One's grace's lights;
Joyes are untainted currents, your vision look
Morose in more sorrowful layes,
In joyful verses they radiate bright with acclaim.
Which will not mention to portray you fayr
Harms, flames, and arrows,
Gales in your countenance, nets in your hayr,
Bribing all your features,
Either to betray, or torment trapped souls.
I’ll make your vision like morning stars appear,
Just as mild, and fair;
Thy forehead as crystal even, and transparent,
And your dishevelled locks
Shall flow like a tranquil Zone of the Air.
Wealthy Nature’s store (which is the Writer's Riches)
I’l expend, to adorn
Thy beauties, if your Mine of Pleasure
Through matching gratitude
Thou but open, so we one another favor.
This work delves the relationship of love and praise, as the narrator speaks to a lady who seeks his affection. Rather, he proposes a mutual arrangement of artistic admiration for intimate pleasures. This phraseology is refined, mixing refined norms with frank statements of longing.
Through the lines, the poet rejects typical themes of unrequited affection, like sorrow and weeping, arguing they dim true grace. The speaker chooses happiness and acclaim to emphasize the maiden's attributes, vowing to depict her eyes as bright suns and her tresses as flowing atmosphere. This approach highlights a practical yet skillful outlook on bonds.
Abundant Nature's hoard (which is the Writer's Riches)
I shall expend, to dress
Your graces, if your Wellspring of Joy
Through equal gratitude
One but unlock, so we one another favor.
This stanza summarizes the essential bargain, as the writer promises to use his creative talents to praise the lady, as compensation for her openness. This language blends spiritual overtones with earthly desires, providing complexity to the work's message.