So noble nature can well end the work she hath begun, And bridle well that will not cease, her tragedy in some: Thus in song she oft rehearsed, as did her well behove, The falling out of faithful friends, renewing is of love. I marvel much pardy quoth she, for to behold the rout, To see man, woman, boy, beast, to toss the world about: Some kneel, some crouch, some beck, some cheek, and some can smoothly smile, And some embrace others in arm, and there think many awile. Some stand aloof at cap and knee, some humble and some stout, Yet are they never friends in deed, until they once fall out: Thus ended she her song, and said before she did remove, The falling out of faithful friends, renewing is of love. V. WILLIAM HUNNIS died 1568. THE LOVER CURSETH THE TIME WHEN FIRST HE FELL IN LOVE. WHEN WHEN first mine eyes did view and mark And when mine ears 'gan first to hark The pleasant words that thou me told : I would as then I had been free And when my hands did handle oft, And when in mind I did consent Then should not I such cause have found To wish this monstrous sight to see, Nor thou, alas! that madest the wound, Should not deny me remedy: Then should one will in both remain, To ground one heart which now is twain. VI. GEORGE GASCOIGNE, 1535?-1577 THE LULLABY OF A LOVER. ING lullaby, as women do, SING Wherewith they bring their babes to rest; And lullaby can I sing too, As womanly as can the best. With lullaby they still the child; And, if I be not much beguiled, Full many a wanton babe have I, Which must be stilled with lullaby. First lullaby my youthful years, It is now time to go to bed: For crooked age and hoary hairs Have won the haven within my head. With lullaby then youth be still; With lullaby content thy will; Since courage quails and comes behind, Go sleep and so beguile thy mind! Next, lullaby my gazing eyes, To show the furrows in my face. And lullaby my wanton will; Let reason's rule now rein thy thought; Since all too late I find by skill How dear I have thy fancies bought; With lullaby now take thine ease, Eke lullaby my loving boy, My little robin take thy rest; Since age is cold and nothing coy, Keep close thy coin, for so is best. With lullaby be thou content; With lullaby thy lusts relent. Let others pay which have more pence; Thou art too poor for such expense. |