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Given that you freely given me leave to love,
How will you do?
Will I your joy, or ardor move,
As I begin to woo;
Will you torment, or scorn, or adore me too?

Every minor grace can scorn, and I
Despite your aversion
Absent your consent can observe, and perish;
Bestow a grander Destiny!
It is effortless to destroy, you can create.

Then grant me leave to adore, & cherish me too
Lacking intent
To raise, as Love's cursed defiers behave
When complaining Versifiers whine,
Fame to their grace, from their blubber’d eyes.

Sadness is a pool and reflects not clear
Thy charm's beams;
Delights are untainted streams, your vision seem
Sullen in more sorrowful verses,
In cheerfull verses they gleam brilliant with acclaim.

Which may not mention to express you lovely
Harms, fires, and shafts,
Gales in your forehead, snares in your locks,
Bribing all your parts,
Or to trick, or afflict ensnared souls.

I will render your eyes like morning suns look,
As gentle, and fair;
One's brow as crystal smooth, and transparent,
Whereas your dishevelled hayr
Shall stream like a tranquil Zone of the Ayr.

Wealthy Nature's store (which is the Bard's Riches)
I will use, to dress
Thy charms, if your Source of Joy
In equal gratitude
Thou but release, so we one another grace.

Examining the Work's Ideas

This piece explores the interplay of affection and praise, as the speaker speaks to a lady who requests his devotion. Instead, he proposes a mutual agreement of artistic admiration for personal favors. The language is graceful, mixing refined traditions with candid statements of yearning.

In the stanzas, the writer spurns common motifs of unrequited passion, such as sadness and lamentation, stating they dim true grace. The speaker prefers happiness and acclaim to highlight the lady's qualities, vowing to portray her eyes as radiant stars and her locks as flowing air. This method highlights a pragmatic yet clever outlook on relationships.

Key Elements of the Piece

• Shared Exchange: The work revolves on a suggestion of tribute in trade for delight, highlighting equality between the individuals.
• Spurning of Standard Themes: The poet disparages usual poetic devices like grief and metaphors of pain, choosing optimistic imagery.
• Artistic Skill: The employment of diverse meter lengths and rhythm displays the writer's proficiency in poetry, creating a smooth and engaging text.

Abundant The natural world's hoard (which is the Writer's Treasure)
I shall spend, to embellish
Thy graces, if your Wellspring of Pleasure
Through equall thankfulness
One but release, so we each other favor.

The verse summarizes the essential bargain, where the author pledges to employ his artistic gifts to honor the woman, in exchange for her openness. This phraseology blends pious undertones with worldly longings, adding depth to the poem's message.