University of Virginia Library

THE ANSWER.

These doubts (Madame) quod I, to skan,
Requires some time, and that not small:
They trouble would a wiser man
Then I, by roode, to deale withall.
But yet, faire Dame, the doubt of this
I hope to finde, and not to misse:
I can but gesse vpon a doubt,
I will not sweare to find it out.
But as I judge, Madam, quod I,
It seemes Appollos sicknesse sure,
On whom he cryed piteously,
That neuer any herbe could cure:
Nor any Phisicke finde releefe,
To helpe or ease him of his greefe:
Which plainly, Madam, for to name,
Is lucklesse loue, Dame Venus game.
Which spightfull sporte for to attaine
Some so doo dull their sences all:
That in the ende, with to much paine
They doo become sore sicke with all:
And so remaine, vntill they haue
Some players such as they doo craue.
For euery Player cannot please
Eche pacient to playe with all:
For then, to cure his straunge disease,
He some should haue soone at his call:
But he must haue whom eche would craue,
Els he, poore soule, small rest shall haue.
This Madam, for ought I can see,
The meaning of your doubt must be:
Which, if you like not, good Madam,
Let it euen passe from whence it came.
My Lady lawght: Is loue, quod she,
A spight and sporte, to both at ones?
Now thou hast giuen me, credit me,
A resolution, for the nones:
Tis loue, in deede: thou hast founde out
The misterie of all my doubt:
And for thy paines, as to a friend,
I yeelde thee thancks:—and there an end.