University of Virginia Library

Sate a Lover in a garden
All alone, apostrophizing
Many a flower and shrub about him,
And the lights of Heav'n above.
Nightingaling thus, a Noodle
Heard him, and, completely puzzled,
‘What,’ quoth he, ‘and you a Lover,
‘Raving, not about your Mistress,
‘But about the stars and roses—
‘What have these to do with Love?’

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Answer'd he; ‘Oh thou that aimest
‘Wide of Love, and Lovers' language
‘Wholly misinterpreting;
‘Sun and Moon are but my Lady's
‘Self, as any Lover knows;
‘Hyacinth I said, and meant her
‘Hair—her cheek was in the rose—
‘And I myself the wretched weed
‘That in her cypress shadow grows.’