WhywriteIstillallone,everthesame,Andkeepinventioninanotedweed,Thateveryworddothalmosttellmyname,Showingtheirbirth,andwheretheydidproceed?
OknowsweetloveIalwayswriteofyou,Andyouandlovearestillmyargument:
Soallmybestisdressingoldwordsnew,Spendingagainwhatisalreadyspent:
Forasthesunisdailynewandold,Soismylovestilltellingwhatistold。
77
Thyglasswillshowtheehowthybeautieswear,Thydialhowthypreciousminuteswaste,Thesevacantleavesthymind’simprintwillbear,Andofthisbook,thislearningmaystthoutaste。
Thewrinkleswhichthyglasswilltrulyshow,Ofmouthedgraveswillgivetheememory,Thoubythydial’sshadystealthmaystknow,Time’sthievishprogresstoeternity。
Lookwhatthymemorycannotcontain,Committothesewasteblanks,andthoushaltfindThosechildrennursed,deliveredfromthybrain,Totakeanewacquaintanceofthymind。
Theseoffices,sooftasthouwiltlook,Shallprofitthee,andmuchenrichthybook。
78
SoofthaveIinvokedtheeformymuse,Andfoundsuchfairassistanceinmyverse,Aseveryalienpenhathgotmyuse,Andundertheetheirpoesydisperse。
Thineeyes,thattaughtthedumbonhightosing,Andheavyignorancealofttofly,Haveaddedfeatherstothelearned’swing,Andgivengraceadoublemajesty。
YetbemostproudofthatwhichIcompile,Whoseinfluenceisthine,andbornofthee,Inothers’worksthoudostbutmendthestyle,Andartswiththysweetgracesgracedbe。
Butthouartallmyart,anddostadvanceAshighaslearning,myrudeignorance。
79
WhilstIalonedidcalluponthyaid,Myversealonehadallthygentlegrace,Butnowmygraciousnumbersaredecayed,Andmysickmusedothgiveanotherplace。
Igrant(sweetlove)thylovelyargumentDeservesthetravailofaworthierpen,Yetwhatoftheethypoetdothinvent,Herobstheeof,andpaysittheeagain,Helendstheevirtue,andhestolethatword,Fromthybehaviour,beautydothhegiveAndfounditinthycheek:hecanaffordNopraisetothee,butwhatintheedothlive。
Thenthankhimnotforthatwhichhedothsay,Sincewhatheowesthee,thouthyselfdostpay。
80
OhowIfaintwhenIofyoudowrite,Knowingabetterspiritdothuseyourname,Andinthepraisethereofspendsallhismight,Tomakemetongue-tiedspeakingofyourfame。
Butsinceyourworth(wideastheoceanis)
Thehumbleastheproudestsaildothbear,Mysaucybark(inferiorfartohis)
Onyourbroadmaindothwilfullyappear。
Yourshallowesthelpwillholdmeupafloat,Whilstheuponyoursoundlessdeepdothride,Or(beingwrecked)Iamaworthlessboat,Heoftallbuilding,andofgoodlypride。
ThenifhethriveandIbecastaway,Theworstwasthis,mylovewasmydecay。
81
OrIshallliveyourepitaphtomake,OryousurvivewhenIinearthamrotten,Fromhenceyourmemorydeathcannottake,Althoughinmeeachpartwillbeforgotten。
Yournamefromhenceimmortallifeshallhave,ThoughI(oncegone)toalltheworldmustdie,Theearthcanyieldmebutacommongrave,Whenyouentombedinmen’seyesshalllie,Yourmonumentshallbemygentleverse,Whicheyesnotyetcreatedshallo’er-read,Andtonguestobe,yourbeingshallrehearse,Whenallthebreathersofthisworldaredead,Youstillshalllive(suchvirtuehathmypen)
Wherebreathmostbreathes,eveninthemouthsofmen。
82
Igrantthouwertnotmarriedtomymuse,Andthereforemaystwithoutattainto’erlookThededicatedwordswhichwritersuseOftheirfairsubject,blessingeverybook。
Thouartasfairinknowledgeasinhue,Findingthyworthalimitpastmypraise,Andthereforeartenforcedtoseekanew,Somefresherstampofthetime-betteringdays。
Anddosolove,yetwhentheyhavedevised,Whatstrainedtouchesrhetoriccanlend,Thoutrulyfair,werttrulysympathized,Intrueplainwords,bythytrue-tellingfriend。
Andtheirgrosspaintingmightbebetterused,Wherecheeksneedblood,intheeitisabused。
83
Ineversawthatyoudidpaintingneed,Andthereforetoyourfairnopaintingset,Ifound(orthoughtIfound)youdidexceed,Thatbarrentenderofapoet’sdebt:
AndthereforehaveIsleptinyourreport,Thatyouyourselfbeingextantwellmightshow,Howfaramodernquilldothcometooshort,Speakingofworth,whatworthinyoudothgrow。
Thissilenceformysinyoudidimpute,Whichshallbemostmyglorybeingdumb,ForIimpairnotbeautybeingmute,Whenotherswouldgivelife,andbringatomb。
Therelivesmorelifeinoneofyourfaireyes,Thanbothyourpoetscaninpraisedevise。
84
Whoisitthatsaysmost,whichcansaymore,Thanthisrichpraise,thatyoualone,areyou?
Inwhoseconfineimmuredisthestore,Whichshouldexamplewhereyourequalgrew。
Leanpenurywithinthatpendothdwell,Thattohissubjectlendsnotsomesmallglory,Buthethatwritesofyou,ifhecantell,Thatyouareyou,sodignifieshisstory。
Lethimbutcopywhatinyouiswrit,Notmakingworsewhatnaturemadesoclear,Andsuchacounterpartshallfamehiswit,Makinghisstyleadmiredeverywhere。
Youtoyourbeauteousblessingsaddacurse,Beingfondonpraise,whichmakesyourpraisesworse。
85
Mytongue-tiedmuseinmannersholdsherstill,Whilecommentsofyourpraiserichlycompiled,Reservetheircharacterwithgoldenquill,AndpreciousphrasebyalltheMusesfiled。
Ithinkgoodthoughts,whilstotherwritegoodwords,AndlikeunletteredclerkstillcryAmen,Toeveryhymnthatablespiritaffords,Inpolishedformofwellrefinedpen。
Hearingyoupraised,Isay’tisso,’tistrue,Andtothemostofpraiseaddsomethingmore,Butthatisinmythought,whoselovetoyou(Thoughwordscomehindmost)holdshisrankbefore,Thenothers,forthebreathofwordsrespect,Meformydumbthoughts,speakingineffect。
86
Wasittheproudfullsailofhisgreatverse,Boundfortheprizeof(alltooprecious)you,Thatdidmyripethoughtsinmybraininhearse,Makingtheirtombthewombwhereintheygrew?
Wasithisspirit,byspiritstaughttowrite,Aboveamortalpitch,thatstruckmedead?
No,neitherhe,norhiscompeersbynightGivinghimaid,myverseastonished。
HenorthataffablefamiliarghostWhichnightlygullshimwithintelligence,Asvictorsofmysilencecannotboast,Iwasnotsickofanyfearfromthence。
Butwhenyourcountenancefilleduphisline,ThenlackedImatter,thatenfeebledmine。
87
Farewell!thouarttoodearformypossessing,Andlikeenoughthouknow’stthyestimate,Thecharterofthyworthgivestheereleasing:
Mybondsintheearealldeterminate。
ForhowdoIholdtheebutbythygranting,Andforthatricheswhereismydeserving?
Thecauseofthisfairgiftinmeiswanting,Andsomypatentbackagainisswerving。
Thyselfthougav’st,thyownworththennotknowing,Ormetowhomthougav’stit,elsemistaking,Sothygreatgiftuponmisprisiongrowing,Comeshomeagain,onbetterjudgementmaking。
ThushaveIhadtheeasadreamdothflatter,Insleepaking,butwakingnosuchmatter。
88
Whenthoushaltbedisposedtosetmelight,Andplacemymeritintheeyeofscorn,Uponthyside,againstmyselfI’llfight,Andprovetheevirtuous,thoughthouartforsworn:
Withmineownweaknessbeingbestacquainted,UponthypartIcansetdownastoryOffaultsconcealed,whereinIamattainted:
Thatthouinlosingme,shaltwinmuchglory:
AndIbythiswillbeagainertoo,Forbendingallmylovingthoughtsonthee,TheinjuriesthattomyselfIdo,Doingtheevantage,double-vantageme。
Suchismylove,totheeIsobelong,Thatforthyright,myselfwillbearallwrong。
89
Saythatthoudidstforsakemeforsomefault,AndIwillcommentuponthatoffence,Speakofmylameness,andIstraightwillhalt:
Againstthyreasonsmakingnodefence。
Thoucanstnot(love)disgracemehalfsoill,Tosetaformupondesiredchange,AsI’llmyselfdisgrace,knowingthywill,Iwillacquaintancestrangleandlookstrange:
Beabsentfromthywalksandinmytongue,Thysweetbelovednamenomoreshalldwell,LestI(toomuchprofane)shoulddoitwronk:
Andhaplyofouroldacquaintancetell。
Forthee,againstmyselfI’llvowdebate,ForImustne’erlovehimwhomthoudosthate。
90
Thenhatemewhenthouwilt,ifever,now,Nowwhiletheworldisbentmydeedstocross,joinwiththespiteoffortune,makemebow,Anddonotdropinforanafter-loss:
Ahdonot,whenmyhearthath’scapedthissorrow,Comeintherearwardofaconqueredwoe,Givenotawindynightarainymorrow,Tolingeroutapurposedoverthrow。
Ifthouwiltleaveme,donotleavemelast,Whenotherpettygriefshavedonetheirspite,Butintheonsetcome,soshallItasteAtfirsttheveryworstoffortune’smight。
Andotherstrainsofwoe,whichnowseemwoe,Comparedwithlossofthee,willnotseemso。
91
Somegloryintheirbirth,someintheirskill,Someintheirwealth,someintheirbody’sforce,Someintheirgarmentsthoughnew-fangledill:
Someintheirhawksandhounds,someintheirhorse。
Andeveryhumourhathhisadjunctpleasure,Whereinitfindsajoyabovetherest,Buttheseparticularsarenotmymeasure,AlltheseIbetterinonegeneralbest。
Thyloveisbetterthanhighbirthtome,Richerthanwealth,prouderthangarments’costs,Ofmoredelightthanhawksandhorsesbe:
Andhavingthee,ofallmen’sprideIboast。
Wretchedinthisalone,thatthoumaysttake,Allthisaway,andmemostwretchcdmake。
92
Butdothyworsttostealthyselfaway,Fortermoflifethouartassuredmine,Andlifenolongerthanthylovewillstay,Foritdependsuponthatloveofthine。
ThenneedInottofeartheworstofwrongs,Whenintheleastofthemmylifehathend,Isee,abetterstatetomebelongsThanthat,whichonthyhumourdothdepend。
Thoucanstnotvexmewithinconstantmind,Sincethatmylifeonthyrevoltdothlie,OwhatahappytitledoIfind,Happytohavethylove,happytodie!
Butwhat’ssoblessed-fairthatfearsnoblot?
Thoumaystbefalse,andyetIknowitnot。
93
SoshallIlive,supposingthouarttrue,Likeadeceivedhusband,solove’sface,Maystillseemlovetome,thoughalterednew:
Thylookswithme,thyheartinotherplace。
Fortherecanlivenohatredinthineeye,ThereforeinthatIcannotknowthychange,Inmany’slooks,thefalseheart’shistoryIswritinmoodsandfrownsandwrinklesstrange。
Butheaveninthycreationdiddecree,Thatinthyfacesweetloveshouldeverdwell,Whate’erthythoughts,orthyheart’sworkingsbe,Thylooksshouldnothingthence,butsweetnesstell。
HowlikeEve’sappledoththybeautygrow,Ifthysweetvirtueanswernotthyshow。
94
Theythathavepowertohurt,andwilldonone,Thatdonotdothething,theymostdoshow,Whomovingothers,arethemselvesasstone,Unmoved,cold,andtotemptationslow:
Theyrightlydoinheritheaven’sgraces,Andhusbandnature’srichesfromexpense,Tibeyarethelordsandownersoftheirfaces,Others,butstewardsoftheirexcellence:
Thesummer’sfloweristothesummersweet,Thoughtoitself,itonlyliveanddie,Butifthatflowerwithbaseinfectionmeet,Thebasestweedoutbraveshisdignity:
Forsweetestthingsturnsourestbytheirdeeds,Liliesthatfester,smellfarworsethanweeds。
95
Howsweetandlovelydostthoumaketheshame,Whichlikeacankerinthefragrantrose,Dothspotthebeautyofthybuddingname!
Oinwhatsweetsdostthouthysinsenclose!
Thattonguethattellsthestoryofthydays,(Makinglasciviouscommentsonthysport)
Cannotdispraise,butinakindofpraise,Namingthyname,blessesanillreport。
Owhatamansionhavethosevicesgot,Whichfortheirhabitationchoseoutthee,Wherebeauty’sveildothcovereveryblot,Andallthingsturnstofair,thateyescansee!
Takeheed(dearheart)ofthislargeprivilege,Thehardestknifeill-useddothlosehisedge。
96
Somesaythyfaultisyouth,somewantonness,Somesaythygraceisyouthandgentlesport,Bothgraceandfaultsarelovedofmoreandless:
Thoumak’stfaultsgraces,thattotheeresort:
Asonthefingerofathronedqueen,Thebasestjewelwillbewellesteemed:
Soarethoseerrorsthatintheeareseen,Totruthstranslated,andfortruethingsdeemed。
Howmanylambsmightthesternwolfbetray,Iflikealambhecouldhislookstranslate!
Howmanygazersmightstthouleadaway,ifthouwouldstusethestrengthofallthystate!
Butdonotso,Ilovetheeinsuchsort,Asthoubeingmine,mineisthygoodreport。
97
HowlikeawinterhathmyabsencebeenFromthee,thepleasureofthefleetingyear!
WhatfreezingshaveIfelt,whatdarkdaysseen!
WhatoldDecember’sbarenesseverywhere!
Andyetthistimeremovedwassummer’stime,Theteemingautumnbigwithrichincrease,Bearingthewantonburdenoftheprime,Likewidowedwombsaftertheirlords’decease:
YetthisabundantissueseemedtomeButhopeoforphans,andunfatheredfruit,Forsummerandhispleasureswaitonthee,Andthouaway,theverybirdsaremute。
Oriftheysing,’tiswithsodullacheer,Thatleaveslookpale,dreadingthewinter’snear。
98
FromyouhaveIbeenabsentinthespring,Whenproud-piedApril(dressedinallhistrim)
Hathputaspiritofyouthineverything:
ThatheavySaturnlaughedandleapedwithhim。
Yetnorthelaysofbirds,northesweetsmellOfdifferentflowersinodourandinhue,Couldmakemeanysummer’sstorytell:
Orfromtheirproudlappluckthemwheretheygrew:
NordidIwonderatthelily’swhite,Norpraisethedeepvermilionintherose,Theywerebutsweet,butfiguresofdelight:
Drawnafteryou,youpatternofallthose。
Yetseemeditwinterstill,andyouaway,AswithyourshadowIwiththesedidplay。
99
TheforwardvioletthusdidIchide,Sweetthief,whencedidstthoustealthysweetthatsmells,Ifnotfrommylove’sbreath?ThepurpleprideWhichonthysoftcheckforcomplexiondwells,Inmylove’sveinsthouhasttoogrosslydyed。
ThelilyIcondemnedforthyhand,Andbudsofmarjoramhadstol’nthyhair,Therosesfearfullyonthornsdidstand,Oneblushingshame,anotherwhitedespair:
Athirdnorred,norwhite,hadstol’nofboth,Andtohisrobberyhadannexedthybreath,ButforhistheftinprideofallhisgrowthAvengefulcankereathimuptodeath。
MoreflowersInoted,yetInonecouldsee,Butsweet,orcolourithadstol’nfromthee。
100
WhereartthouMusethatthouforget’stsolong,Tospeakofthatwhichgivestheeallthymight?
Spend’stthouthyfuryonsomeworthlesssong,Darkeningthypowertolendbasesubjectslight?
ReturnforgetfulMuse,andstraightredeem,Ingentlenumberstimesoidlyspent,Singtotheearthatdoththylaysesteem,Andgivesthypenbothskillandargument。
RiserestyMuse,mylove’ssweetfacesurvey,Iftimehaveanywrinklegraventhere,Ifany,beasatiretodecay,Andmaketime’sspoilsdespisedeverywhere。
GivemylovefamefasterthanTimewasteslife,Sothouprevent’sthisscythe,andcrookedknife。
101
OtruantMusewhatshallbethyamends,Forthyneglectoftruthinbeautydyed?
Bothtruthandbeautyonmylovedepends:
Sodostthoutoo,andthereindignified:
MakeanswerMuse,wiltthounothaplysay,’Truthneedsnocolourwithhiscolourfixed,Beautynopencil,beauty’struthtolay:
Butbestisbest,ifneverintermixed’?
Becauseheneedsnopraise,wiltthoubedumb?
Excusenotsilenceso,for’tliesinthee,Tomakehimmuchoutliveagildedtomb:
Andtobepraisedofagesyettobe。
ThendothyofficeMuse,Iteachtheehow,Tomakehimseemlonghence,asheshowsnow。
102
Myloveisstrengthenedthoughmoreweakinseeming,Ilovenotless,thoughlesstheshowappear,Thatloveismerchandized,whoserichesteeming,Theowner’stonguedothpublisheverywhere。
Ourlovewasnew,andthenbutinthespring,WhenIwaswonttogreetitwithmylays,AsPhilomelinsummer’sfrontdothsing,Andstopsherpipeingrowthofriperdays:
NotthatthesummerislesspleasantnowThanwhenhermournfulhymnsdidhushthenight,Butthatwildmusicburthenseverybough,Andsweetsgrowncommonlosetheirdeardelight。
Thereforelikeher,Isometimeholdmytongue:
BecauseIwouldnotdullyouwithmysong。
103
Alackwhatpovertymymusebringsforth,Thathavingsuchascopetoshowherpride,TheargumentallbareisofmoreworthThanwhenithathmyaddedpraisebeside。
OblamemenotifInomorecanwrite!
Lookinyourglassandthereappearsaface,Thatover-goesmybluntinventionquite,Dullingmylines,anddoingmedisgrace。
Wereitnotsinfulthenstrivingtomend,Tomarthesubjectthatbeforewaswell?
Fortonootherpassmyversestend,Thanofyourgracesandyourgiftstotell。
Andmore,muchmorethaninmyversecansit,Yourownglassshowsyou,whenyoulookinit。
104
Tomefairfriendyounevercanbeold,ForasyouwerewhenfirstyoureyeIeyed,Suchseemsyourbeautystill:threewinterscold,Havefromtheforestsshookthreesummers’pride,Threebeauteousspringstoyellowautumnturned,InprocessoftheseasonshaveIseen,ThreeAprilperfumesinthreehotJunesburned,SincefirstIsawyoufreshwhichyetaregreen。
Ahyetdothbeautylikeadialhand,Stealfromhisfigure,andnopaceperceived,Soyoursweethue,whichmethinksstilldothstandHathmotion,andmineeyemaybedeceived。
Forfearofwhich,hearthisthouageunbred,Ereyouwerebornwasbeauty’ssummerdead。
105
Letnotmylovebecalledidolatry,Normybelovedasanidolshow,SinceallalikemysongsandpraisesbeToone,ofone,stillsuch,andeverso。
Kindismyloveto-day,to-morrowkind,Stillconstantinawondrousexcellence,Thereforemyversetoconstancyconfined,Onethingexpressing,leavesoutdifference。
Fair,kind,andtrue,isallmyargument,Fair,kind,andtrue,varyingtootherwords,Andinthischangeismyinventionspent,Threethemesinone,whichwondrousscopeaffords。
Fair,kind,andtrue,haveoftenlivedalone。
Whichthreetillnow,neverkeptseatinone。
106
Wheninthechronicleofwastedtime,Iseedescriptionsofthefairestwights,Andbeautymakingbeautifuloldrhyme,Inpraiseofladiesdead,andlovelyknights,Thenintheblazonofsweetbeauty’sbest,Ofhand,offoot,oflip,ofeye,ofbrow,Iseetheirantiquepenwouldhaveexpressed,Evensuchabeautyasyoumasternow。
SoalltheirpraisesarebutpropheciesOfthisourtime,allyouprefiguring,Andfortheylookedbutwithdiviningeyes,Theyhadnotskillenoughyourworthtosing:
Forwewhichnowbeholdthesepresentdays,Haveeyestowonder,butlacktonguestopraise。
107
Notmineownfears,northepropheticsoul,Ofthewideworld,dreamingonthingstocome,Canyettheleaseofmytruelovecontrol,Supposedasforfeittoaconfineddoom。
Themortalmoonhathhereclipseendured,Andthesadaugursmocktheirownpresage,Incertaintiesnowcrownthemselvesassured,Andpeaceproclaimsolivesofendlessage。
Nowwiththedropsofthismostbalmytime,Mylovelooksfresh,anddeathtomesubscribes,SincespiteofhimI’llliveinthispoorrhyme,Whileheinsultso’erdullandspeechlesstribes。
Andthouinthisshaltfindthymonument,Whentyrants’crestsandtombsofbrassarespent。
108
What’sinthebrainthatinkmaycharacter,Whichhathnotfiguredtotheemytruespirit,What’snewtospeak,whatnowtoregister,Thatmayexpressmylove,orthydearmerit?
Nothingsweetboy,butyetlikeprayersdivine,Imusteachdaysayo’ertheverysame,Countingnooldthingold,thoumine,Ithine,EvenaswhenfirstIhallowedthyfairname。
Sothateternalloveinlove’sfreshcase,Weighsnotthedustandinjuryofage,Norgivestonecessarywrinklesplace,Butmakesantiquityforayehispage,Findingthefirstconceitoflovetherebred,Wheretimeandoutwardformwouldshowitdead。
109
OneversaythatIwasfalseofheart,Thoughabsenceseemedmyflametoqualify,AseasymightIfrommyselfdepart,Asfrommysoulwhichinthybreastdothlie:
Thatismyhomeoflove,ifIhaveranged,LikehimthattravelsIreturnagain,Justtothetime,notwiththetimeexchanged,Sothatmyselfbringwaterformystain,Neverbelievethoughinmynaturereigned,Allfrailtiesthatbesiegeallkindsofblood,Thatitcouldsopreposterouslybestained,Toleavefornothingallthysumofgood:
FornothingthiswideuniverseIcall,Savethoumyrose,initthouartmyall。
110
Alas’tistrue,Ihavegonehereandthere,Andmademyselfamotleytotheview,Goredmineownthoughts,soldcheapwhatismostdear,Madeoldoffencesofaffectionsnew。
Mosttrueitis,thatIhavelookedontruthAskanceandstrangely:butbyallabove,Theseblenchesgavemyheartanotheryouth,Andworseessaysprovedtheemybestoflove。
Nowallisdone,havewhatshallhavenoend,MineappetiteInevermorewillgrindOnnewerproof,totryanolderfriend,Agodinlove,towhomIamconfined。
Thengivemewelcome,nextmyheaventhebest,Eventothypureandmostmostlovingbreast。
111
OformysakedoyouwithFortunechide,Theguiltygoddessofmyharmfuldeeds,Thatdidnotbetterformylifeprovide,Thanpublicmeanswhichpublicmannersbreeds。
Thencecomesitthatmynamereceivesabrand,AndalmostthencemynatureissubduedTowhatitworksin,likethedyer’shand:
Pitymethen,andwishIwererenewed,WhilstlikeawillingpatientIwilldrink,Potionsofeisel’gainstmystronginfection,NobitternessthatIwillbitterthink,Nordoublepenancetocorrectcorrection。
Pitymethendearfriend,andIassureye,Eventhatyourpityisenoughtocureme。
112
Yourloveandpitydothth’impressionfill,Whichvulgarscandalstampeduponmybrow,ForwhatcareIwhocallsmewellorill,Soyouo’er-greenmybad,mygoodallow?
Youaremyalltheworld,andImuststrive,Toknowmyshamesandpraisesfromyourtongue,Noneelsetome,norItononealive,Thatmysteeledsenseorchangesrightorwrong。
InsoprofoundabysmIthrowallcareOfothers’voices,thatmyadder’ssense,Tocriticandtoflattererstoppedare:
MarkhowwithmyneglectIdodispense。
Youaresostronglyinmypurposebred,Thatalltheworldbesidesmethinksaredead。
113
SinceIleftyou,mineeyeisinmymind,Andthatwhichgovernsmetogoabout,Dothparthisfunction,andispartlyblind,Seemsseeing,buteffectuallyisout:
ForitnoformdeliverstotheheartOfbird,offlower,orshapewhichitdothlatch,Ofhisquickobjectshaththemindnopart,Norhisownvisionholdswhatitdothcatch:
Forifitseetherud’storgentlestsight,Themostsweetfavourordeformed’stcreature,Themountain,orthesea,theday,ornight:
Thecrow,ordove,itshapesthemtoyourfeature。
Incapableofmore,repletewithyou,Mymosttruemindthusmakethmineuntrue。
114
OrwhetherdothmymindbeingcrownedwithyouDrinkupthemonarch’splaguethisflattery?
OrwhethershallIsaymineeyesaithtrue,Andthatyourlovetaughtitthisalchemy?
Tomakeofmonsters,andthingsindigest,Suchcherubinsasyoursweetselfresemble,CreatingeverybadaperfectbestAsfastasobjectstohisbeamsassemble:
O’tisthefirst,’tisflatteryinmyseeing,Andmygreatmindmostkinglydrinksitup,Mineeyewellknowswhatwithhisgustis’greeing,Andtohispalatedothpreparethecup。
Ifitbepoisoned,’tisthelessersin,Thatmineeyelovesitanddothfirstbegin。
115
ThoselinesthatIbeforehavewritdolie,EventhosethatsaidIcouldnotloveyoudearer,Yetthenmyjudgmentknewnoreasonwhy,Mymostfullflameshouldafterwardsburnclearer,Butreckoningtime,whosemillionedaccidentsCreepin’twixtvows,andchangedecreesofkings,Tansacredbeauty,bluntthesharp’stintents,Divertstrongmindstothecourseofalt’ringthings:
Alaswhyfearingoftime’styranny,MightInotthensay’NowIloveyoubest,’
WhenIwascertaino’erincertainty,Crowningthepresent,doubtingoftherest?
Loveisababe,thenmightInotsaysoTogivefullgrowthtothatwhichstilldothgrow。
116
LetmenottothemarriageoftruemindsAdmitimpediments,loveisnotloveWhichalterswhenitalterationfinds,Orbendswiththeremovertoremove。
Ono,itisanever-fixedmarkThatlooksontempestsandisnevershaken;
Itisthestartoeverywand’ringbark,Whoseworth’sunknown,althoughhisheightbetaken。
Love’snotTime’sfool,thoughrosylipsandcheeksWithinhisbendingsickle’scompasscome,Lovealtersnotwithhisbriefhoursandweeks,Butbearsitouteventotheedgeofdoom:
Ifthisbeerroranduponmeproved,Ineverwrit,nornomaneverloved。
117
Accusemethus,thatIhavescantedall,WhereinIshouldyourgreatdesertsrepay,Forgotuponyourdearestlovetocall,Wheretoallbondsdotiemedaybyday,ThatIhavefrequentbeenwithunknownminds,Andgiventotimeyourowndear-purchasedright,ThatIhavehoistedsailtoallthewindsWhichshouldtransportmefarthestfromyoursight。
Bookbothmywilfulnessanderrorsdown,Andonjustproofsurmise,accumulate,Bringmewithinthelevelofyourfrown,Butshootnotatmeinyourwakenedhate:
SincemyappealsaysIdidstrivetoproveTheconstancyandvirtueofyourlove。
118
LikeastomakeourappetitemorekeenWitheagercompoundsweourpalateurge,Astopreventourmaladiesunseen,Wesickentoshunsicknesswhenwepurge。
Evensobeingfullofyourne’er-cloyingsweetness,TobittersaucesdidIframemyfeeding;
Andsickofwelfarefoundakindofmeetness,Tobediseasederethattherewastrueneeding。
Thuspolicyinlovet’anticipateTheillsthatwerenot,grewtofaultsassured,AndbroughttomedicineahealthfulstateWhichrankofgoodnesswouldbyillbecured。
ButthenceIlearnandfindthelessontrue,Drugspoisonhimthatsofeilsickofyou。
119
WhatpotionshaveIdrunkofSirentearsDistilledfromlimbecksfoulashellwithin,Applyingfearstohopes,andhopestofears,StilllosingwhenIsawmyselftowin!
Whatwretchederrorshathmyheartcommitted,Whilstithaththoughtitselfsoblessednever!
HowhavemineeyesoutoftheirspheresbeenfittedInthedistractionofthismaddingfever!
Obenefitofill,nowIfindtrueThatbetteris,byevilstillmadebetter。
AndruinedlovewhenitisbuiltanewGrowsfairerthanatfirst,morestrong,fargreater。
SoIreturnrebukedtomycontent,AndgainbyillsthricemorethanIhavespent。
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Thatyouwereonceunkindbefriendsmenow,Andforthatsorrow,whichIthendidfeel,NeedsmustIundermytransgressionbow,Unlessmynerveswerebrassorhammeredsteel。
ForifyouwerebymyunkindnessshakenAsIbyyours,y’havepassedahelloftime,AndIatyranthavenoleisuretakenToweighhowonceIsufferedinyourcrime。
OthatournightofwoemighthaverememberedMydeepestsense,howhardtruesorrowhits,Andsoontoyou,asyoutomethentenderedThehumblesalve,whichwoundedbosomsfits!
Butthatyourtrespassnowbecomesafee,Mineransomsyours,andyoursmustransomme。
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’Tisbettertobevilethanvileesteemed,Whennottobe,receivesreproachofbeing,Andthejustpleasurelost,whichissodeemed,Notbyourfeeling,butbyothers’seeing。
Forwhyshouldothers’falseadulterateeyesGivesalutationtomysportiveblood?
Oronmyfrailtieswhyarefrailerspies,WhichintheirwillscountbadwhatIthinkgood?
No,IamthatIam,andtheythatlevelAtmyabuses,reckonuptheirown,Imaybestraightthoughtheythemselvesbebevel;
Bytheirrankthoughts,mydeedsmustnotbeshownUnlessthisgeneraleviltheymaintain,Allmenarebadandintheirbadnessreign。
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Thygift,thytables,arewithinmybrainFullcharacteredwithlastingmemory,WhichshallabovethatidlerankremainBeyondalldateeventoeternity。
Orattheleast,solongasbrainandheartHavefacultybynaturetosubsist,TilleachtorazedoblivionyieldhispartOfthee,thyrecordnevercanbemissed:
Thatpoorretentioncouldnotsomuchhold,NorneedItalliesthydearlovetoscore,ThereforetogivethemfrommewasIbold,Totrustthosetablesthatreceivetheemore:
TokeepanadjuncttoremembertheeWeretoimportforgetfulnessinme。
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No!Time,thoushaltnotboastthatIdochange,ThypyramidsbuiltupwithnewermightTomearenothingnovel,nothingstrange,TheyarebutdressingsOfaformersight:
Ourdatesarebrief,andthereforeweadmire,Whatthoudostfoistuponusthatisold,Andrathermakethemborntoourdesire,Thanthinkthatwebeforehaveheardthemtold:
ThyregistersandtheeIbothdefy,Notwond’ringatthepresent,northepast,Forthyrecords,andwhatweseedothlie,Mademoreorlessbythycontinualhaste:
ThisIdovowandthisshalleverbe,Iwillbetruedespitethyscytheandthee。
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Ifmydearlovewerebutthechildofstate,ItmightforFortune’sbastardbeunfathered,Assubjecttotime’sloveortotime’shate,Weedsamongweeds,orflowerswithflowersgathered。
Noitwasbuildedfarfromaccident,Itsuffersnotinsmilingpomp,norfallsUndertheblowofthralleddiscontent,Wheretoth’invitingtimeourfashioncalls:
Itfearsnotpolicythatheretic,Whichworksonleasesofshort-numberedhours,Butallalonestandshugelypolitic,Thatitnorgrowswithheat,nordrownswithshowers。
TothisIwitnesscallthefoolsoftime,Whichdieforgoodness,whohavelivedforcrime。
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Were’taughttomeIborethecanopy,Withmyexterntheoutwardhonouring,Orlaidgreatbasesforeternity,Whichprovesmoreshortthanwasteorruining?
HaveInotseendwellersonformandfavourLoseall,andmorebypayingtoomuchrentForcompoundsweet;forgoingsimplesavour,Pitifulthriversintheirgazingspent?
No,letmebeobsequiousinthyheart,Andtakethoumyoblation,poorbutfree,Whichisnotmixedwithseconds,knowsnoart,Butmutualrender,onlymeforthee。
Hence,thousubornedinformer,atruesoulWhenmostimpeached,standsleastinthycontrol。
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Othoumylovelyboywhointhypower,DostholdTime’sfickleglasshisficklehour:
Whohastbywaninggrown,andthereinshow’st,Thyloverswithering,asthysweetselfgrow’st。
IfNature(sovereignmistressoverwrack)
Asthougoestonwardsstillwillplucktheeback,Shekeepstheetothispurpose,thatherskillMaytimedisgrace,andwretchedminuteskill。
YetfearherOthouminionofherpleasure,Shemaydetain,butnotstillkeephertreasure!
Heraudit(thoughdelayed)answeredmustbe,Andherquietusistorenderthee。
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Intheoldageblackwasnotcountedfair,Orifitwereitborenotbeauty’sname:
Butnowisblackbeauty’ssuccessiveheir,Andbeautyslanderedwithabastardshame,Forsinceeachhandhathputonnature’spower,Fairingthefoulwithart’sfalseborrowedface,Sweetbeautyhathnonamenoholybower,Butisprofaned,ifnotlivesindisgrace。
Thereforemymistress’eyesareravenblack,Hereyessosuited,andtheymournersseem,Atsuchwhonotbornfairnobeautylack,Slanderingcreationwithafalseesteem,Yetsotheymournbecomingoftheirwoe,Thateverytonguesaysbeautyshouldlookso。
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Howoftwhenthou,mymusic,musicplay’st,UponthatblessedwoodwhosemotionsoundsWiththysweetfingerswhenthougentlysway’stThewiryconcordthatmineearconfounds,DoIenvythosejacksthatnimbleleap,Tokissthetenderinwardofthyhand,Whilstmypoorlipswhichshouldthatharvestreap,Atthewood’sboldnessbytheeblushingstand。
TobesotickledtheywouldchangetheirstateAndsituationwiththosedancingchips,O’erwhomthyfingerswalkwithgentlegait,Makingdeadwoodmoreblestthanlivinglips,Sincesaucyjackssohappyareinthis,Givethemthyfingers,methylipstokiss。
129
Th’expenseofspiritinawasteofshameIslustinaction,andtillaction,lustIsperjured,murd’rous,bloodyfullofblame,Savage,extreme,rude,cruel,nottotrust,Enjoyednosoonerbutdespisedstraight,Pastreasonhunted,andnosoonerhadPastreasonhatedasaswallowedbait,Onpurposelaidtomakethetakermad。
Madinpursuitandinpossessionso,Had,having,andinquest,tohaveextreme,Ablissinproofandproved,averywoe,Beforeajoyproposedbehindadream。
Allthistheworldwellknowsyetnoneknowswell,Toshuntheheaventhatleadsmentothishell。
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Mymistress’eyesarenothinglikethesun,Coralisfarmorered,thanherlipsred,Ifsnowbewhite,whythenherbreastsaredun:
Ifhairsbewires,blackwiresgrowonherhead:
Ihaveseenrosesdamasked,redandwhite,ButnosuchrosesseeIinhercheeks,Andinsomeperfumesistheremoredelight,Thaninthebreaththatfrommymistressreeks。
Ilovetohearherspeak,yetwellIknow,Thatmusichathafarmorepleasingsound:
IgrantIneversawagoddessgo,Mymistresswhenshewalkstreadsontheground。
AndyetbyheavenIthinkmyloveasrare,Asanyshebeliedwithfalsecompare。
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Thouartastyrannous,soasthouart,Asthosewhosebeautiesproudlymakethemcruel;
Forwellthouknow’sttomydeardotingheartThouartthefairestandmostpreciousjewel。
Yetingoodfaithsomesaythattheebehold,Thyfacehathnotthepowertomakelovegroan;
Tosaytheyerr,Idarenotbesobold,AlthoughIswearittomyselfalone。
AndtobesurethatisnotfalseIswear,Athousandgroansbutthinkingonthyface,Oneonanother’sneckdowitnessbearThyblackisfairestinmyjudgment’splace。
Innothingartthoublacksaveinthydeeds,AndthencethisslanderasIthinkproceeds。
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ThineeyesIlove,andtheyaspityingme,Knowingthyhearttormentmewithdisdain,Haveputonblack,andlovingmournersbe,Lookingwithprettyruthuponmypain。
AndtrulynotthemorningsunofheavenBetterbecomesthegreycheeksoftheeast,NorthatfullstarthatushersintheevenDothhalfthatglorytothesoberwestAsthosetwomourningeyesbecomethyface:
OletitthenaswellbeseemthyheartTomournformesincemourningdoththeegrace,Andsuitthypitylikeineverypart。
ThenwillIswearbeautyherselfisblack,Andalltheyfoulthatthycomplexionlack。
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BeshrewthatheartthatmakesmyhearttogroanForthatdeepwounditgivesmyfriendandme;
Is’tnotenoughtotorturemealone,Butslavetoslaverymysweet’stfriendmustbe?
Mefrommyselfthycrueleyehathtaken,Andmynextselfthouharderhastengrossed,Ofhim,myself,andtheeIamforsaken,Atormentthricethree-foldthustobecrossed:
Prisonmyheartinthysteelbosom’sward,Butthenmyfriend’sheartletmypoorheartbail,Whoe’erkeepsme,letmyheartbehisguard,Thoucanstnotthenuserigourinmygaol。
Andyetthouwilt,forIbeingpentinthee,Perforceamthineandallthatisinme。
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SonowIhaveconfessedthatheisthine,AndImyselfammortgagedtothywill,MyselfI’llforfeit,sothatothermine,Thouwiltrestoretobemycomfortstill:
Butthouwiltnot,norhewillnotbefree,Forthouartcovetous,andheiskind,Helearnedbutsurety-liketowriteforme,Underthatbondthathimasfistdothbind。
Thestatuteofthybeautythouwilttake,Thouusurerthatput’stforthalltouse,Andsueafriend,camedebtorformysake,SohimIlosethroughmyunkindabuse。
HimhaveIlost,thouhastbothhimandme,Hepaysthewhole,andyetamInotfree。
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Whoeverhathherwish,thouhastthywill,And’Will’toboot,and’Will’inover-plus,MorethanenoughamIthatvextheestill,Tothysweetwillmakingadditionthus。
Wiltthouwhosewillislargeandspacious,Notoncevouchsafetohidemywillinthine?
Shallwillinothersseemrightgracious,Andinmywillnofairacceptanceshine?
Theseaallwater,yetreceivesrainstill,Andinabundanceaddethtohisstore,SothoubeingrichinwilladdtothywillOnewillofminetomakethylargewillmore。
Letnounkind,nofairbeseecherskill,Thinkallbutone,andmeinthatone’Will。’
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IfthysoulchecktheethatIcomesonear,SweartothyblindsoulthatIwasthy’Will’,Andwillthysoulknowsisadmittedthere,Thusfarforlove,mylove-suitsweetfulfil。
’Will’,willfulfilthetreasureofthylove,Ay,fillitfullwithwills,andmywillone,Inthingsofgreatreceiptwithcaseweprove,Amonganumberoneisreckonednone。
Theninthenumberletmepassuntold,Thoughinthystore’saccountIonemustbe,Fornothingholdme,soitpleasetheehold,Thatnothingme,asomethingsweettothee。
Makebutmynamethylove,andlovethatstill,Andthenthoulov’stmeformynameisWill。
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ThoublindfoolLove,whatdostthoutomineeyes,Thattheybeholdandseenotwhattheysee?
Theyknowwhatbeautyis,seewhereitlies,Yetwhatthebestis,taketheworsttobe。
Ifeyescorruptbyover-partiallooks,Beanchoredinthebaywhereallmenride,Whyofeyes’falsehoodhastthouforgedhooks,Wheretothejudgmentofmyheartistied?
Whyshouldmyheartthinkthataseveralplot,Whichmyheartknowsthewideworld’scommonplace?
Ormineeyesseeingthis,saythisisnotToputfairtruthuponsofoulaface?
Inthingsrighttruemyheartandeyeshaveerred,Andtothisfalseplaguearetheynowtransferred。
138
Whenmyloveswearsthatsheismadeoftruth,IdobelieveherthoughIknowshelies,Thatshemightthinkmesomeuntutoredyouth,Unlearnedintheworld’sfalsesubtleties。
Thusvainlythinkingthatshethinksmeyoung,Althoughsheknowsmydaysarepastthebest,SimplyIcreditherfalse-speakingtongue,Onbothsidesthusissimpletruthsuppressed:
Butwhereforesaysshenotsheisunjust?
AndwhereforesaynotIthatIamold?
Olove’sbesthabitisinseemingtrust,Andageinlove,lovesnottohaveyearstold。
ThereforeIliewithher,andshewithme,Andinourfaultsbyliesweflatteredbe。
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Ocallnotmetojustifythewrong,Thatthyunkindnesslaysuponmyheart,Woundmenotwiththineeyebutwiththytongue,Usepowerwithpower,andslaymenotbyart,Tellmethoulov’stelsewhere;butinmysight,Dearheartforbeartoglancethineeyeaside,Whatneed’stthouwoundwithcunningwhenthymightIsmorethanmyo’erpresseddefencecanbide?
Letmeexcusethee,ahmylovewellknows,Herprettylookshavebeenmineenemies,Andthereforefrommyfacesheturnsmyfoes,Thattheyelsewheremightdarttheirinjuries:
Yetdonotso,butsinceIamnearslain,Killmeoutrightwithlooks,andridmypain。
140
Bewiseasthouartcruel,donotpressMytongue-tiedpatiencewithtoomuchdisdain:
Lestsorrowlendmewordsandwordsexpress,Themannerofmypity-wantingpain。
IfImightteachtheewitbetteritwere,Thoughnottolove,yetlovetotellmeso,Astestysickmenwhentheirdeathsbenear,Nonewsbuthealthfromtheirphysiciansknow。
ForifIshoulddespairIshouldgrowmad,Andinmymadnessmightspeakillofthee,Nowthisill-wrestingworldisgrownsobad,Madslanderersbymadearsbelievedbe。
ThatImaynotbeso,northoubelied,Bearthineeyesstraight,thoughthyproudheartgowide。
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InfaithIdonotlovetheewithmineeyes,Fortheyintheeathousanderrorsnote,But’tismyheartthatloveswhattheydespise,Whoindespiteofviewispleasedtodote。
Norareminecarswiththytongue’stunedelighted,Nortenderfeelingtobasetouchesprone,Nortaste,norsmell,desiretobeinvitedToanysensualfeastwiththeealone:
Butmyfivewits,normyfivesensescanDissuadeonefoolishheartfromservingthee,Wholeavesunswayedthelikenessofaman,Thyproudheart’sslaveandvassalwretchtobe:
OnlymyplaguethusfarIcountmygain,Thatshethatmakesmesin,awardsmepain。
142
Loveismysin,andthydearvirtuehate,Hateofmysin,groundedonsinfulloving,Obutwithmine,comparethouthineownstate,Andthoushaltfinditmeritsnotreproving,Orifitdo,notfromthoselipsofthine,Thathaveprofanedtheirscarletornaments,Andsealedfalsebondsofloveasoftasmine,Robbedothers’beds’revenuesoftheirrents。
BeitlawfulIlovetheeasthoulov’stthose,Whomthineeyeswooasmineimportunethee,Rootpityinthyheartthatwhenitgrows,Thypitymaydeservetopitiedbe。
Ifthoudostseektohavewhatthoudosthide,Byself-examplemaystthoubedenied。
143
Loasacarefulhuswiferunstocatch,Oneofherfeatheredcreaturesbrokeaway,SetsdownherbabeandmakesallswiftdispatchInpursuitofthethingshewouldhavestay:
Whilstherneglectedchildholdsherinchase,Criestocatchherwhosebusycareisbent,Tofollowthatwhichfliesbeforeherface:
Notprizingherpoorinfant’sdiscontent;
Sorun’stthouafterthatwhichfliesfromthee,WhilstIthybabechasetheeafarbehind,Butifthoucatchthyhopeturnbacktome:
Andplaythemother’spart,kissme,bekind。
SowillIpraythatthoumaysthavethyWill,Ifthouturnbackandmyloudcryingstill。
144
TwolovesIhaveofcomfortanddespair,Whichliketwospiritsdosuggestmestill,Thebetterangelisamanrightfair:
Theworserspiritawomancolouredill。
Towinmesoontohellmyfemaleevil,Temptethmybetterangelfrommyside,Andwouldcorruptmysainttobeadevil:
Wooinghispuritywithherfoulpride。
Andwhetherthatmyangelbeturnedfiend,SuspectImay,yetnotdirectlytell,Butbeingbothfrommebothtoeachfriend,Iguessoneangelinanother’shell。
YetthisshallIne’erknowbutliveindoubt,Tillmybadangelfiremygoodoneout。
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ThoselipsthatLove’sownhanddidmake,Breathedforththesoundthatsaid’Ihate’,Tomethatlanguishedforhersake:
Butwhenshesawmywoefulstate,Straightinherheartdidmercycome,Chidingthattonguethateversweet,Wasusedingivinggentledoom:
Andtaughtitthusanewtogreet:
’Ihate’shealteredwithanend,Thatfolloweditasgentleday,DothfollownightwholikeafiendFromheaventohellisflownaway。
’Ihate’,fromhateawayshethrew,Andsavedmylifesaying’notyou’。
146
Poorsoulthecentreofmysinfulearth,Mysinfulearththeserebelpowersarray,WhydostthoupinewithinandsufferdearthPaintingthyoutwardwallssocostlygay?
Whysolargecosthavingsoshortalease,Dostthouuponthyfadingmansionspend?
ShallwormsinheritorsofthisexcessEatupthycharge?isthisthybody’send?
Thensoullivethouuponthyservant’sloss,Andletthatpinetoaggravatethystore;
Buytermsdivineinsellinghoursofdross;
Withinbefed,withoutberichnomore,Soshallthoufeedondeath,thatfeedsonmen,Anddeathoncedead,there’snomoredyingthen。
147
Myloveisasafeverlongingstill,Forthatwhichlongernurseththedisease,Feedingonthatwhichdothpreservetheill,Th’uncertainsicklyappetitetoplease:
Myreasonthephysiciantomylove,AngrythathisprescriptionsarenotkeptHathleftme,andIdesperatenowapprove,Desireisdeath,whichphysicdidexcept。
PastcureIam,nowreasonispastcare,Andfrantic-madwithevermoreunrest,Mythoughtsandmydiscourseasmadmen’sare,Atrandomfromthetruthvainlyexpressed。
ForIhavesworntheefair,andthoughttheebright,Whoartasblackashell,asdarkasnight。
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Ome!whateyeshathloveputinmyhead,Whichhavenocorrespondencewithtruesight,Oriftheyhave,whereismyjudgmentfled,Thatcensuresfalselywhattheyseearight?
Ifthatbefairwhereonmyfalseeyesdote,Whatmeanstheworldtosayitisnotso?
Ifitbenot,thenlovedothwelldenote,Love’seyeisnotsotrueasallmen’s:no,Howcanit?Ohowcanlove’seyebetrue,Thatissovexedwithwatchingandwithtears?
NomarvelthenthoughImistakemyview,Thesunitselfseesnot,tillheavenclears。
Ocunninglove,withtearsthoukeep’stmeblind,Lesteyeswell-seeingthyfoulfaultsshouldfind。
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CanstthouOcruel,sayIlovetheenot,WhenIagainstmyselfwiththeepartake?
DoInotthinkontheewhenIforgotAmofmyself,all-tyrant,forthysake?
WhohateththeethatIdocallmyfriend,Onwhomfrown’stthouthatIdofawnupon,Nayifthoulour’stonmedoInotspendRevengeuponmyselfwithpresentmoan?
WhatmeritdoIinmyselfrespect,Thatissoproudthyservicetodespise,Whenallmybestdothworshipthydefect,Commandedbythemotionofthineeyes?
ButlovehateonfornowIknowthymind,Thosethatcanseethoulov’st,andIamblind。
150
Ofromwhatpowerhastthouthispowerfulmight,Withinsufficiencymyhearttosway,Tomakemegivethelietomytruesight,Andswearthatbrightnessdothnotgracetheday?
Whencehastthouthisbecomingofthingsill,Thatintheveryrefuseofthydeeds,Thereissuchstrengthandwarrantiseofskill,Thatinmymindthyworstallbestexceeds?
Whotaughttheehowtomakemelovetheemore,ThemoreIhearandseejustcauseofhate?
OthoughIlovewhatothersdoabhor,Withothersthoushouldstnotabhormystate。
Ifthyunworthinessraisedloveinme,MoreworthyItobebelovedofthee。
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Loveistooyoungtoknowwhatconscienceis,Yetwhoknowsnotconscienceisbornoflove?
Thengentlecheaterurgenotmyamiss,Lestguiltyofmyfaultsthysweetselfprove。
Forthoubetrayingme,IdobetrayMynoblerparttomygrossbody’streason,Mysouldothtellmybodythathemay,Triumphinlove,fleshstaysnofartherreason,Butrisingatthynamedothpointoutthee,Ashistriumphantprize,proudofthispride,Heiscontentedthypoordrudgetobe,Tostandinthyaffairs,fallbythyside。
NowantofconscienceholditthatIcall,Herlove,forwhosedearloveIriseandfall。
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Inlovingtheethouknow’stIamforsworn,Butthouarttwiceforsworntomeloveswearing,Inactthybed-vowbrokeandnewfaithtorn,Invowingnewhateafternewlovebearing:
Butwhyoftwooaths’breachdoIaccusethee,WhenIbreaktwenty?Iamperjuredmost,Forallmyvowsareoathsbuttomisusethee:
Andallmyhonestfaithintheeislost。
ForIhavesworndeepoathsofthydeepkindness:
Oathsofthylove,thytruth,thyconstancy,Andtoenlightentheegaveeyestoblindness,Ormadethemswearagainstthethingtheysee。
ForIhavesworntheefair:moreperjuredI,Toswearagainstthetruthsofoulabe。
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Cupidlaidbyhisbrandandfellasleep,AmaidofDian’sthisadvantagefound,Andhislove-kindlingfiredidquicklysteepInacoldvalley-fountainofthatground:
WhichborrowedfromthisholyfireofLove,Adatelesslivelyheatstilltoendure,Andgrewaseetingbathwhichyetmenprove,Againststrangemaladiesasovereigncure:
Butatmymistress’eyeLove’sbrandnew-fired,Theboyfortrialneedswouldtouchmybreast,Isickwithalthehelpofbathdesired,Andthitherhiedasaddistemperedguest。
Butfoundnocure,thebathformyhelplies,WhereCupidgotnewfire;mymistress’eyes。
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ThelittleLove-godlyingonceasleep,Laidbyhissidehisheart-inflamingbrand,Whilstmanynymphsthatvowedchastelifetokeep,Cametrippingby,butinhermaidenhand,Thefairestvotarytookupthatfire,Whichmanylegionsoftrueheartshadwarmed,Andsothegeneralofhotdesire,Wassleepingbyavirginhanddisarmed。
Thisbrandshequenchedinacoolwellby,WhichfromLove’sfiretookheatperpetual,Growingabathandhealthfulremedy,Formendiscased,butImymistress’thrall,CamethereforcureandthisbythatIprove,Love’sfireheatswater,watercoolsnotlove。