Which if I find, I vow
My service shall persèver!
The same that I am now;
I will continue ever!
No others' high degree,
No beauteous look shall change me!
My love shall constant be,
And no estate estrange me!
When other noble Dames,
By greater men attended,
Shall, with their lives and names,
Have all their glories ended:
With fairest Queens, shall She
Sit, sharing equal glory;
And Times to come shall be
Delighted with our Story.
In spite of others' hates,
More honour I will do her!
Than those that with estates
And help of fortune woo her:
Yea, that True Worth I spy;
Though monarchs strove to grace it,
They should not reach more high
Than I dare hope to place it!
And though I never vaunt
What favours are possessed;
Much less content I want
Than if they were expressed:
Let others make their mirth,
To blab each kiss or toying!
I know no bliss on earth
Like secret love enjoying.
And this shall be the worst
Of all that can betide me.
If I (like some accurst)
Should find my hopes deride me;
My cares will not be long;
I know which way to mend them!
I'll think, "Who did the wrong!"
Sigh! break my heart! and end them!
[The Picture of Fair Virtue.]
Hail, fair Beauties! and again,
Hail to all your goodly train!
What I promised yesterday,
If it please you, hear ye may!
For now, once begun have I,
Sing I will, though none were by;
And though freely on I run
Yet confused paths to shun.
First, that part shall be disclosed,
That's of Elements composed.