Madrigal. When first I heard thy loves to Laya

William Percy (1575–1648)

To Parthenophil!
Upon his Laya and Parthenophe.

[i.e., inscribed to Barnabe Barnes. The reference at line 9 below seems to be to Barnes’s Sestine 5.]

WHEN first I heard thy loves to LAYA,

I wished the gods to turn it to good hap!

Yet since I hear thy blessed flight away,

I joy thy chance, for fear of afterclap!

Unwily man! why couldst not keep thee there?

But must with PARTHENOPH’, thee ’gain entrap!

I little rue thy well deserved tears!

The beast once ’scaped will ever shun the trap!

What tell’st thou me, “By spells, th’ hast won thy Dear!”

Believe her, Friend! no more than LAYA past!

Charmed Love endures but whilst the Charm doth last!

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