University of Virginia Library

previous section The poems of Queen Elizabeth I
next section

NOW LEAVE AND LET ME REST
[_]

The attribution of this poem is questionable.

Now leave and let me rest,
Dame Pleasure be content;
Go choose among the best,
My doting days be spent.
By sundry signs I see
Thy proffers are but vain,
And wisdom warneth me
That pleasure asketh pain.
And Nature that doth know
How time her steps doth try
Gives place to painful woe
And bids me learn to die.
Since all fair earthly things
Soon ripe will soon be rot,
9

And all that pleasant springs
Soon withered, soon forgot.
And youth that yields new joys
That wanton lust desires
In age repents the toys
That reckless youth requires.
All which delights I leave
To such as folly trains
By pleasure to deceive
Till they do feel the pains.
And from vain pleasures past
I fly and fain would know
The happy life at last
Whereto I hope to go,
For words or wise reports
Or yet examples gone
Can bridle youthful sports
Till age comes stealing on.
The pleasant courtly games
That I delighted in,
Mine elder age now shames
Such follies to begin,
And all the fancies strange
That fond delight brought forth
I do intend to change
And count them nothing worth.
For I by process worn
Am taught to know the skill
What might have been forborne
In my young reckless will.
By which good proof I fleet.
From will to wit again
In hope to set my feet
In surety to remain.
previous section The poems of Queen Elizabeth I
next section