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Given that you freely given me permission to love,
What will you act?
Will I your mirth, or passion arouse,
As I begin to woo;
Do you distress, or disdain, or cherish me too?

Every minor beauty can reject, and I
In spite of your dislike
Without your consent can see, and succumb;
Bestow a nobler Fate!
It is effortless to ruin, you could form.

Therefore allow me permission to cherish, & love me too
Lacking design
To uplift, as Affection's accursed defiers do
While complaining Bards moan,
Renown to their grace, from their tearful eyne.

Sadness is a pond and mirrors not bright
One's charm's rayes;
Joys are pure currents, your eyes seem
Sullen in gloomier verses,
Within joyful numbers they radiate bright with praise.

What shall not mention to express you fayr
Injuries, flames, and arrows,
Tempests in your brow, snares in your locks,
Bribing all your parts,
Or else to betray, or torment ensnared souls.

I shall cause your eyes like dawn stars seem,
Just as mild, and lovely;
Thy countenance as Crystall polished, and clear,
And your tousled hair
May drift like a tranquil Region of the Atmosphere.

Rich The natural world's store (which is the Poet’s Riches)
I’l spend, to dress
Thy graces, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
In matching gratitude
You but open, so we one another bless.

Delving into the Verse's Ideas

The composition examines the interplay of passion and acclaim, as the speaker addresses a maiden who seeks his affection. Instead, he offers a reciprocal exchange of poetic praise for private delights. This language is graceful, mixing courtly norms with candid statements of longing.

Through the verses, the poet dismisses typical themes of unrequited passion, such as sorrow and weeping, claiming they obscure true charm. The speaker prefers delight and admiration to highlight the woman's attributes, promising to depict her vision as shining stars and her tresses as drifting breeze. The approach highlights a practical yet clever perspective on relationships.

Significant Components of the Work

• Reciprocal Arrangement: The verse focuses on a offer of admiration in trade for enjoyment, emphasizing equality between the parties.
• Dismissal of Standard Ideas: The poet disparages common poetic devices like grief and similes of anguish, favoring optimistic depictions.
• Artistic Artistry: The use of varied line patterns and cadence displays the writer's proficiency in verse, creating a smooth and engaging read.

Abundant The natural world's treasury (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I’l use, to embellish
One's beauties, if your Mine of Pleasure
With equall thankfulness
You but unlock, so we each other favor.

This stanza captures the central arrangement, as the writer promises to employ his inventive abilities to honor the lady, in exchange for her receptiveness. The wording blends pious hints with earthly desires, providing depth to the verse's theme.