Edward Vere, Earl of Oxford (1550-1604). 'Were I a King'. Andrew Macphail, comp. 1916. The Book of Sorrow

Andrew Macphail, comp. The Book of Sorrow. 1916.

IV. Inevitable
‘Were I a King’

By Edward Vere, Earl of Oxford (1550–1604)


WERE I a King, I might command content;
Were I obscure, unknown should be my cares;
And were I dead, no thoughts should me torment,—
Nor words, nor wrongs, nor love, nor hate, nor fears!
A doubtful choice for me, of three things, one to crave:	5
A Kingdom, or a Cottage, or a Grave!