University of Virginia Library


471

[I should haue dide, and neuer viewed thee]

I should haue dide, and neuer viewed thee
(Faire Shepherdesse, vnwoorthily forgot)
Since that I durst presume to liue, and bee
Before thy sweetest sight, and loue thee not.
A happy loue, and fortune I should prooue,
Both which my paines and sorrowes should abate,
If by remembring of thy deerest loue,
I should forget the greefe of former hate.
For now the feare of death, and leesing thee,
I feare will be my guerdon and my lot,
Since that I durst presume to liue, and bee
Before thy sweetest sight, and loue thee not.