IF that I die, fair Licia, with disdain; Or heartless live, surprisèd with thy wrong: The heavens and earth shall accent both my pain, And curse the time so cruel and so long. If you be kind, my Queen, as you are fair; And aid my thoughts that still for conquest strive: Then will I sing, and never more despair, And praise your kindness whilst I am alive. Till then I pay the tribute of my tears, To move thy mercy and thy constant truth. Respect, fair Love, how these with sorrow wear The truest heart; unless it find some ruth. Then grace me, Sweet, and with thy favour raise me; So shall I live, and all the World shall praise thee.
SONNET L.
A' Licia sigh! and say, Thou art my own. Nay, Be my own! as you full oft have said. So shall your truth unto the world be known: And I, resolved; where now I am afraid. And if my tongue eternize can your praise, Or silly speech increase your worthy fame; If aught I can, to heaven your worth can raise, The Age to come shall wonder at the same. In this respect, your love, sweet Love, I told; My faith and truth I vowed should be for ever. You were the cause, if that I were too bold; Then pardon this my fault, or love me never But if you frown, I wish that none believe me: For, slain with sighs, I'll die before I'll grieve thee.
SONNET LI.
WHen first the Sun, whom all my senses serve, Began to shine upon this earthly round; The heavens for her, all graces did reserve; That, Pandor'-like, with all she might abound. Apollo placed his brightness in her eyes, His skill presaging, and his music sweet. Mars gave his force. All force she now defies. Venus, her smiles; wherewith she Mars did meet Python, a voice. Diana made her chaste. Ceres gave plenty. Cupid lent his bow; Thetis, her feet. There Pallas wisdom placed. With these, she, Queen-like, kept a World in awe Yet all these honours deemèd are but pelf: For she is much more worthy, of herself.