| J. C. Squire, ed. A Book of Women’s Verse. 1921. | | | | Song: “Love, a child, is ever crying” | | By Lady Mary Wroth (c. 1620) |
| | | LOVE, a child, is ever crying; | |
| Please him, and he straight is flying; | |
| Give him, he the more is craving, | |
| Never satisfied with having. | |
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| His desires have no measure; | 5 |
| Endless folly is his treasure; | |
| What he promiseth he breaketh; | |
| Trust not one word that he speaketh. | |
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| He vows nothing but false matter; | |
| And to cozen you will flatter; | 10 |
| Let him gain the hand, he’ll leave you | |
| And still glory to deceive you. | |
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| He will triumph in your wailing; | |
| And yet cause be of your failing: | |
| These his virtues are, and slighter | 15 |
| Are his gifts, his favours lighter. | |
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| Feathers are as firm in staying; | |
| Wolves no fiercer in their preying; | |
| As a child then, leave him crying; | |
| Nor seek him so given to flying. | 20 | | | |
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