University of Virginia Library

For want of will

The louer lamenteth his estate with sute for grace.

For want of will, in wo I playne:
Vnder colour of sobernesse.
Renewyng with my sute my payne,
My wanhope with your stedfastnesse.
Awake therfore of gentlenesse.
Regard at length, I you require,
The sweltyng paynes of my desire.
Betimes who geueth willingly,
Redoubled thankes aye doth deserue.
And I that sue vnfaynedly,
In frutelesse hope (alas) do sterue.
How great my cause is for to swerue:
And yet how stedfast is my sute:
Lo, here ye see, where is the frute?
As hounde that hath his keper lost,
Seke I your presence to obtayne:
In which my hart deliteth most,
And shall delight though I be slayne.
You may release my band of payne.
Lose then the care that makes me crye,
For want of helpe or els I dye.

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H1v

I dye, though not incontinent,
By processe yet consumingly
As waste of fire, which doth relent.
If you as wilfull wyll denye.
Wherfore cease of such crueltye:
And take me wholy in your grace:
Which lacketh will to change his place.