As ever yet was said or sung,

(Since Orpheus sang his spouse from hell,)

Whilst thou art fair, and I am young;

‘Sweet Florence, those were pleasant times

When worlds were staked for ladies eyes;

Had bards as many realms as rhymes,

Thy charms might raise new Anthonies.

‘Though fate forbids such things to be,

Yet, by thine eye and ringlets curled,

I cannot lose a world for thee,