William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Elizabethan Verse. 1907. Heart’s Hiding By A. W.
SWEET 1 Love, mine only treasure, For service long unfeignèd, Wherein I nought have gainèd Vouchsafe this little pleasure, To tell me in what part 5 My mistress keeps her heart. If in her hair so slender Like golden nets entwinèd Which fire and art have ’finèd, Her thrall my heart I render 10 For ever to abide With locks so dainty tied. If in her eyes she bind it, Wherein that fire was framèd By which it is inflamèd, 15 I dare not look to find it: I only wish it sight To see that pleasant light. But if her breast have deignèd With kindness to receive it, 20 I am content to leave it, Though death thereby were gainèd. Then, Lady, take your own That lives for you alone.
Note 1. Poetical Rhapsody, 1620, signed “A. W.,” whose identity has never been revealed. It was set to music in Robert Jones’ Ultimum Vale, 1608. [back ]
