INCE Nature's works be good, and death doth serve As Nature's work, why should we fear to die? Why should we fear that which we cannot fly? Fear is more pain than is the pain it fears, While each conceit an ugly figure bears Which were not evil, well viewed in reason's light. Then let us hold the bliss of peaceful mind; A VISION UPON THE FAERY QUEEN. ETHOUGHT I saw the grave where Laura lay, To see that buried dust of living fame, Whose tomb fair Love and fairer Virtue kept, At whose approach the soul of Petrarch wept ; And groans of buried ghosts the heavens did pierce, Where Homer's spright did tremble all for grief, And cursed the access of that celestial thief. THE CONSTANCY OF LOVE. JERE I as base as is the lowly plain, And you, my Love, as high as heaven above, Yet should the thoughts of me your humble swain Ascend to heaven in honour of my Love. Were I as high as heaven above the plain, And you, my Love, as humble and as low As are the deepest bottoms of the main, Wheresoe'er you were, with you my love should go. Were you the earth dear Love, and I the skies, My love should shine on you like to the sun, And look upon you with ten thousand eyes Till heaven waxed blind and till the world were done. Wheresoe'er I am, below or else above you, Wheresoe'er you are, my heart shall truly love you. FAVOUR. ADY! in beauty and in favour rare, Nature to thee beauty and favour gave, Fair then thou art, and favour thou may'st spare. And when on me bestowed your favours are, Less favour in your face you shall not have : Of murder's guilt, dear lady, then beware. My loss of life a million-fold were less Than the least loss should unto you befall; Yet grant this gift: which gift when I possess, Both I have life, and you no loss at all : For by your favour only I do live; : And favour you may well both keep and give. CITY refusing my poor Love to feed, A beggar starved for want of help he lies, And at your mouth, the door of Beauty, cries That thence some alms of sweet grants may proceed. But as he waiteth for some alms-deed, A cherry-tree before the door he spies "O dear!" quoth he, "two cherries may suffice, Two only life may save in this my need." But beggars, can they nought but cherries eat? |