Thou mayst prove false; at lovers' perjuries, But trust me, gentleman, I'll prove more true Romeo. I have no joy of this contract to-night; This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath, May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet. Good-night, good-night!—as sweet repose and rest Come to thy heart as that within my breast! Romeo. Oh, wilt thou leave me so unsatified? Juliet. What satisfaction canst thou have to-night? Romeo. The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine. Juliet. I gave thee mine before thou didst request it: And yet I would it were to give again. Romeo. Wouldst thou withdraw it? For what purpose, love? Juliet. But to be frank, and give it thee again. And yet I wish but for the thing I have: I hear some noise within: dear love, adieu ! All this is but a dream I hear and see; Re-enter Juliet above. Juliet. Three words, dear Romeo, and goodnight indeed. If that thy bent of love be honourable, Romeo. I would I were thy bird. Sweet, so would I ; Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing. Good-night, good-night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good-night till it be morrow. Shakespeare. THE SPANISH LADY'S COURTSHIP. Will you hear a Spanish lady, Deck'd with jewels had she on : Of a comely countenance and grace was she, As his prisoner there he kept her, In his courteous company was all her joy, But at last there came commandment None to do them injury. "Oh then," said this lady gay, "full woe is me Oh let me still sustain this kind captivity! "Gallant captain, show some pity To a lady in distress; Leave me not within this city, For to die in heaviness: Thou hast set, this present day, my body free, But my heart in prison still remains with thee." "How shouldst thou, fair lady, love me, Whom thou know'st thy country's foe? Thy fair words make me suspect thee; Serpents lie where flowers grow." "All the harm I wish on thee, most courteous knight, God grant upon my head the same may fully light. "Blessèd be the time and season That thou cam'st on Spanish ground! If you may our foes be termed, Gentle foes we have you found: With our city, you have won our hearts each one, Then to your country bear away that is your own. 66 "It would be a shame, fair lady, For to bear a woman hence; English soldiers never carry Any such without offence." I will quickly change myself, if it be so, And, like a page, will follow thee where'er thou go." "I have neither gold nor silver To maintain thee in this case; And to travel is great charges, As you know, in every place." "My chains and jewels every one shall be thy own, And eke ten thousand pounds in gold that lies unknown." "On the seas are many dangers, Many storms do there arise, Which will be to ladies dreadful, And force tears from wat'ry eyes. "Well, in troth, I shall endure extremity, For I could find in heart to lose my life for thee." "Courteous lady, leave this folly, Here comes all that breeds the strife; I, in England, have already A sweet woman to my wife; I will not falsify my vow for gold nor gain, Nor yet for all the fairest dames that live in Spain." "Oh, how happy is that woman That enjoys so true a friend! Many happy days God send her : And of my suit I'll make an end. On my knees I pardon crave for my offence, Which love and true affection did first commence. ON THY LIPS I SEAL MY VOW. Come, let me take thee to my breast, An' pledge we ne'er shall sunder; An' I shall spurn as vilest dust The world's wealth an' grandeur : An' do I hear my Jeanie own That equal transports move her? I ask for dearest life alone, That I may live to love her. Thus in my arms, wi' all thy charms, I clasp my countless treasure; I'll seek nae mair o' heaven to share Than sic a moment's pleasure; An' by thy een sae bonnie blue, I swear I'm thine for ever! An' on thy lips I seal my vow, An' break it shall I never! A FAITHFUL LOVER. Philotinus if you'd approve Yourself a faithful lover, Burns. You must no more my anger move, Your passion still discover. Though born to rule, you must submit Jane Brereton (1685). HE NEVER GAVE HIS PASSION voice. He never said he loved me, Nor hymn'd my beauty's praise; Yet there was something more than words In his full ardent gaze. He never gave his passion voice; Yet on his flushing cheek I read a tale more tender far Than softest tones could speak. He never said he loved me: Yet when none else were nigh, How could I hear, and doubt the truth? The throbs of his tumultuous heart, He never said he loved me : The deep devotion of his soul He never breathed aloud; Though if he raised his voice in song, It seem'd as if design'd to reach He never said he loved me; Yet the conviction came, Like some great truth that stirs the soul And made us almost feel that life And have I said I love him? Alaric A. Watts. HER "YES" ONCE SAID SHALL BE FOR EVERMORE. Learn to win a lady's faith Nobly, as the thing is high; Lead her from the festive boards, YOU TO WHOM ALL LOVE IS DUE. Winds were gentle, branches bending Never since that gracious morning Earth in summer's sweetest time, Hearts were gentle, eyes were gleaming, (You, to whom all love is due), Wherefore should there be an ending To a time so true? Barry Cornwall. WOOING AND WINNING. When I reach'd That tend'rest strain of all the ditty, My faltering voice and pausing harp Disturb'd her soul with pity! All impulses of soul and sense Had thrill'd my guileless Genevieve; And hopes, and fears that kindle hope, She wept with pity and delight, She blush'd with love and virgin shame, And, like the murmur of a dream, I heard her breathe my name. Her bosom heaved; she stept asideAs conscious of my look she steptThen suddenly, with timorous eye, She fled to me, and wept. She half enclosed me with her arms, She press'd me with a meek embrace, And, bending back her head, look'd up And gazed into my face. 'Twas partly love, and partly fear, I calm'd her fears, and she was calm, My bright and beauteous bride! Coleridge. |