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Espilus and Therion, their contention in Song for the May-Ladie.
Espilus.Tvne vp my voyce, a higher note I yeeld,
To high conceite, the Song must needes neede be hie:
More high then starres, more firme then flintie field
Are all my thoughts, in which I liue and die.
Sweete soule to whom I vowed am a slaue:
Let not wild vvoods so great a treasure haue.
Therion.
The highest note comes oft from basest minde,
As shallow Brookes doo yeeld the greatest sound:
Seeke other thoughts thy life or death to finde,
Thy starres be falne, plowed is thy flinty ground.
Sweet soule, let not a wretch that serueth Sheepe,
Among his Flock so sweete a treasure keepe.
Two thousand Sheepe I haue as white as milke,
Though not so white as is thy louely face:
The pasture rich, the wooll as soft as silke,
All this I giue, let me possesse thy grace.
But still take heede, least thou thy selfe submit:
To one that hath no wealth, and wants his wit.
Therion.
Two thousand Deere in wildest vvoods I haue,
Them can I take, but you I cannot hold:
He is not poore who can his freedome saue,
Bound but to you, no wealth but you I would.
But take this beast, if beasts you feare to misse:
For of his beasts the greatest beast he is.
Both kneeling to her Maiestie.
Espilus.
Iudge you, to whom all beauties force is lent:
Therion.
Iudge you of loue, to whom all loue is bent.
FINIS.
S. Phil. Sidney.
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