C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

James Graham, Marquis of Montrose (1612–1650)

MY dear and only love, I pray

This noble world of thee

Be governed by no other sway

But purest monarchie.

For if confusion have a part,—

Which virtuous souls abhor,—

And hold a synod in thy heart,

I’ll never love thee more.

Like Alexander I will reign,

And I will reign alone;

My thoughts shall evermore disdain

A rival on my throne.

He either fears his fate too much,

Or his deserts are small,

That puts it not unto the touch,

To win or lose it all.

But if no faithless action stain

Thy true and constant word,

I’ll make thee famous by my pen,

And glorious by my sword.

I’ll serve thee in such noble ways

As ne’er were known before;

I’ll deck and crown thy head with bays,

And love thee more and more.