John Sheffield, Duke of Buckinghamshire (1648–1721)

I MUST confess I am untrue

To Gloriana’s eyes;

But he that’s smiled upon by you

Must all the world despise.

In winter fires of little worth

Excite our dull desire;

But when the sun breaks kindly forth

Those fainter flames expire.

Then blame me not for slighting now

What I did once adore:

O do but this one change allow,

And I can change no more;

Fixed by your never-failing charms

Till I with age decay,

Till languishing within your arms

I sigh my soul away.