Herbert J.C. Grierson, ed. (1886–1960). Metaphysical Lyrics & Poems of the 17th C. 1921.

1595?–1639? Thomas Carew

Mediocrity in love rejected

GIVE me more Love, or more Disdain;

The Torrid, or the Frozen Zone

Bring equall ease unto my paine;

The Temperate affords me none:

Either extreme, of Love, or Hate,

Is sweeter than a calme estate.

Give me a storme; if it be Love,

Like Danae in that golden showre

I swim in pleasure; if it prove

Disdain, that Torrent will devour

My Vulture-hopes; and he’s possest

Of Heaven, that’s but from Hell releast:

Then crown my joyes, or cure my pain;

Give me more Love, or more Disdain.