University of Virginia Library

Lyke as the lark

The louer sheweth his wofull state, and prayeth pitye.

Lyke as the lark within the marlians foote
With piteous tunes doth chirp her yelden lay:
So syng I now, seyng none other boote,
My renderyng song, and to your wyll obey.
Your vertue mountes aboue my force so hye.
And with your beautie seased I am so sure:
That there auails resistance none in me,
But paciently your pleasure to endure
For on your wyll my fansy shall attend:
My lyfe, my death, I put both in your choyce:
And rather had this lyfe by you to end,
Than lyue, by other alwayes to reioyce.
And if your crueltie doe thirst my blood:
Then let it forth, if it may doe you good.

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