 | Argalvs and Parthenia |  |
Madam,
Your no lesse rare, then noble fauours showHow much you merit, and how much I owe
Your great desert, which claimes more thankfulnesse,
Then such a dearth of language can expresse.
But most of all, I stand for euer bound
To that your goodnesse, my Parthenia found
In her distresse, for which respect (in duty
As I am tyed) poore Argalus shall repute ye
The flowre of noble courtesie, and proclaime
Your high deseruings. Lady; as I am,
91
Of all prosperitie, distrest, forlorne,
Vnworthy the least fauour you can giue;
I am your slaue, your Beadsman will I liue:
But for this weighty matter you propound,
Although I see how much it would redound
To my great happinesse, yet heauen knowes
(Most exc'llent Lady) I cannot dispose
Of my owne thoughts; nor haue I power to doe
What, else, you needed not perswade me to;
For trust me, were this heart of mine, mine owne,
To carue according to my pleasure, none
But you should challenge it; but while I liue
It is Parthenia's, and not mine to giue.
| Argalvs and Parthenia | |