NO more a man, as once I was, am I: Since this new Circe, moved by fierce disdain, Hath changed me to a Fountain never dry; Wherein myself, with bitter tears I bain [? bathe]. Then am I one who always eyes do bear; And breast of water flowing only full. Take heed, you Lovers all, of her! and fear The sugared baits of this deceitful Trull! Lest by this Circe new, you be deceived, As I have been; and be of shape bereaved.
The Conclusion of the First Part.
THe Macedonian Monarch once did deign, In cheerful sort, in kind and loving wise, To feast in village with a homely Swain; Who entertained him, as in country guise, With curds and creams, and such like knacks he had. Whereof the courteous Prince accepted glad.
So, Lady, boldly I presumèd have To invite you to a sorry banquet base; Nor to disdain the same, of you I crave! Though cates too coarse for you; too poor, the place. I cannot, as I would, give curds and cream; But milk and whey: my fortune is so mean.
Yet (if you shall accept it graciously; And with your favour sweet, this board adorn) The virtue which is in you, presently, The whey, to curds; the milk, to cream shall turn. But if your look (you angry) turn away; The milk shall still be milk; the whey, still whey.
Then as the sun in glorious wise doth shine As well on valley low as mountain high; Vouchsafe one cheerful glimpse of favour thine On poor me, from out that heavenly eye! Unworthy I, such grace! I do confess: Yet worthy thou to do so, ne'ertheless.
R. T.