This he had not done. How dare he say he loved her well? He had not the courage to praise her person.
And to her will frame all thy ways.
This he was willing and ready enough to do. He believed he had done so already; but read on—
Spare not to spend, and chiefly there
Where thy desert may merit praise
By ringing in thy lady’s ear.
Here he was at a standstill. He could not spend; he could not even dress as a gentleman. He could not make her rich and beautiful presents.
The strongest castle, tower, and town
The golden bullet beats it down.
He had no golden bullets—to him the castle was therefore impregnable.
Serve always with assured trust,
And in thy suit be humble, true—
Advice such as this last he could and did follow conscientiously.
Have you not heard it said full oft,
A woman’s nay doth stand for nought?—