That am restrain'd by great extremity, HE BIDDETH FAREWELL TO HIS UNKIND MISTRESS. SINCE SO ye please to hear me plain, To such as be so overthwart : But cursed be that cruel heart Of thine intent, whereto to trust; HE REPENTETH THAT HE HAD EVER LOVED. Now must I learn to live at rest, And wean me of my will; For I repent where I was prest My fancy to fulfil. I may no longer more endure I may not see my service long Nor I may not sustain such wrong I may not sigh in sorrow deep, Nor I may neither crouch nor creep Where it doth not behove. But I of force must needs forsake My faith so fondly set; And from henceforth must undertake Such folly to forget. Now must I seek some other ways Myself for to withsave ; And as I trust by mine essays Some remedy to have. I ask none other remedy To recompense my wrong; THE LOVER BESEECHETH HIS MISTRESS NOT TO FORGET HIS STEADFAST FAITH AND TRUE INTENT. FORGET not yet the tried intent Forget not yet when first began The suit, the service none tell can; Forget not yet the great assays, the scornful ways, The painful patience in delays, Forget not! oh! forget not this, Forget not then thine own approv'd, HE BEWAILS THE PAIN HE ENDURES WHEN BANISHED FROM THE MISTRESS OF HIS HEART. O! MISERABLE sorrow, withouten cure! HE COMPARES HIS SUFFERINGS TO THOSE OF TANTALUS. THE fruit of all the service that I serve In paradise for hunger still I sterve, THAT NOTHING MAY ASSUAGE HIS PAIN SAVE ONLY HIS LADY'S FAVOUR. Ir with complaint the pain might be express'd Yet should remorse cause it relent and moan. This restless smart and pain? THE LOVER PRAYETH THAT HIS LONG SUFFERINGS MAY AT LENGTH FIND RECOMPENSE. YE know my heart, my Lady dear! |