University of Virginia Library

11.

[Fair Mistress, though my fate is so adverse]

Fair Mistress, though my fate is so adverse,
That I could rather weep then sing in verse;
Yet one or two I'le force my Muse to write,
And you with your own Cruelty delight.
Me-thoughts when last I heard the Nightingal,
She did not mention her own woes at all;
But every note that past my listning ear
Did make me my own misery to hear:

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It was a change worthy her skill, for she
Will sing the saddest things, and therefore me.
Pity a man in Hell, for there I am,
I could not else live so amidst my flame;
And make my joyes with all my sufferings even;
But two kind words, and I shall be in Heaven.