Than doth the sun the candle light, 2 And thereto hath a troth as just 3 I could rehearse, if that I would, The whole effect of Nature's plaint, The like to whom she could not paint: 4 I know she swore with raging mind, Her kingdom only set apart, There was no loss, by law of kind, That could have gone so near her heart; And this was chiefly all her pain, 5 Sith Nature thus gave her the praise, TO HIS MISTRESS. If he that erst the form so lively drew Thy father then what glory did ensue, By whose pencil a goddess made thou art? Touched with flame that figure made some rue, And with her love surprised many a heart. There lack'd yet that should cure their hot desire: Thou canst inflame and quench the kindled fire. TO THE LADY THAT SCORNED HER LOVER. 1 ALTHOUGH I had a check, To give the mate is hard; To give so great assay Unto a man of war, To drive his men away; 2 I rede 2 you take good heed, That I will have your ferse.3 3 For if by chance I win Your person in the field, Yourself to me to yield. Neck:' apparently an expression used in chess playing, but the meaning is not clear. For I will use my power, As captain full of might; As use to show me spite. 4 And for because you gave Me check in such degree, This vantage, lo! I have, Now check, and guard to thee. Defend it if thou may; Stand stiff in thine estate : For sure I will assay, If I can give thee mate. A WARNING TO THE LOVER, HOW HE IS ABUSED BY HIS LOVE. Too dearly had I bought my green and youthful years, If in mine age I could not find when craft for love appears; And seldom though I come in court among the rest, heart. So stands it now with me, for, my beloved friend, mind; And for thy sake I burn so in my secret breast, have no rest. 10 I see how thine abuse hath wrested so thy wits, Where thou hast loved so long, with heart and all thy power, I see thee fed with feigned words, thy freedom to devour : I see her pleasant chere in chiefest of thy suit; When thou art gone, I see him come that gathers up the fruit; And eke, in thy respect, I see the base degree Of him to whom she gave the heart that promised was to thee. 20 I see (what would you more), stood never man so sure THE FORSAKEN LOVER DESCRIBETH AND FORSAKETH LOVE. 1 Он loathsome place! where I Hath made her thought appear, As fortune it ne would Between us longer should. 2 As fortune did advance Even so hath fortune's chance Thrown all amidst the mire. And that I have deserved With true and faithful heart, That never felt the smart. 3 But happy is that man That 'scaped hath the grief, 4 This gift it hath also: To vex his wearied ghost.2 5 But since thou, desert place, Canst give me no account Of my desired grace, That I to have was wont; That love hath set aloft, And casten in the dust. 'Plage' a toil or net. 2Ghost' spirit, mind. R |