University of Virginia Library


33

The Expostulation.

Tell me ye juster Dieties,
That pitty Lovers miseries,
Why should my own unworthiness
Fright me to seek my happiness?

34

It is as natural, as just,
Him for to love, whom needs I must:
All men confess that Love's a fire,
Then who denies it to aspire?
Tell me, if thou wert Fortunes thrall,
Wouldst thou not raise thee from the fall?
Seek only to orelook thy state
Whereto thou art condemn'd by Fate?
Then let me love my Coridon,
And by Love's leave, him love alone:
For I have read of Stories oft,
That Love hath wings and soars aloft.
Then let me grow in my desire,
Toough I be martyr'd in that fire:
For grace it is enough for me
But only to love such as he:
For never shall my thoughts be base,
Though luckless, yet without disgrace:
Then let him that my Love shall blame,
Or clip Loves wings, or quench Loves flame.
J. S.