University of Virginia Library

previous section The last remains of Sr John Suckling
next section

Love and Debt alike troublesom.

This one request I make to him that sits the clouds above
That I were freely out of debt, as I am out of love:
Then for to dance, to drink and sing, I should be very willing
I should not ow one Lass a kiss, nor ne'r a Knave a shilling.
'Tis only being in Love and Debt, that breaks us of our rest;
And he that is quite out of both, of all the world is blest:
He sees the golden age wherein all things were free and common;
He eats, he drinks, he takes his rest, he fears no man nor woman.
Though Cræsus compassed great wealth, yet he still craved more,
He was as needy a beggar still, as goes from dore to dore.
Though Ovid were a merry man, Love ever kept him sad;
He was as far from happiness, as one that is stark mad.
Our Merchant he in goods is rich, and full of gold and treasure;
But when he thinks upon his Debts, that thought destroys his pleasure.
Our Courtier thinks that he's preferr'd, whom every man envies;
When Love so rumbles in his pate, no sleep comes in his eyes
Our Gallants case is worst of all, he lies so just betwixt them;
For he's in Love, and he's in Debt, and knows not which most vex him.
6

But he that can eat Beef, and feed on bread which is so brown
May satisfie his appetite, and owe no man a crown:
And he that is content with Lasses clothed in plain woollen,
May cool his heat in every alace, he need not to be sullen,
Nor sigh for love of Lady fair; for this each wise man knows
As good stuff under Flanel lies, as under Silken clothes.
J. S.
previous section The last remains of Sr John Suckling
next section