T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.

If Any Hath the Heart to Kill

By Thomas Campion (1567–1620)


IF any hath the heart to kill,
Come rid me of this woeful pain!
For while I live I suffer still
This cruel torment all in vain:
Yet none alive but one can guess	5
What is the cause of my distress.

Thanks be to heaven, no grievous smart,
No maladies my limbs annoy;
I bear a fond and sprightful heart,
Yet live I quite deprived of joy;	10
Since what I had in vain I crave,
And what I had not now I have.

A love I had, so fair, so sweet,
As ever wanton eye did see:
Once by appointment we did meet:	15
She would, but ah, it would not be!
She gave her heart, her hand she gave;
All did I give, she nought could have.

What hag did then my powers forespeak,
That never yet such taint did feel!	20
Now she rejects me as one weak,
Yet am I all composed of steel.
Ah, this is it my heart doth grieve:
Now though she sees, she’ll not believe.