Like an oblation set before a shrine,

Fair one! I offer up this heart of mine.

Whether the Saint accept my gift or no,

I'll neither fear nor doubt before I know.

For he whose faint distrust prevents reply,

Doth his own suit's denial prophesy.

Your will the sentence is; who free as Fate

Can bid my love proceed, or else retreat.

And from short views that verdict is decreed

10Which seldom doth one audience exceed.