Peter Hausted (c. 1605–1644)

HAVE pitty, Griefe: I can not pay

The tribute which I owe thee, teares;

Alas those Fountaines are growne dry,

And ’tis in vain to hope supply

For others’ eyes; for each man beares

Enough about him of his owne

To spend his stock of teares upon:

Wooe then the heavens, gentle Love,

To melt a Cloud for my reliefe,

Or wooe the Deepe or wooe the Grave,

Wooe what thou wilt so I may have

Wherewith to pay my debt, for Griefe

Has vow’d, unlesse I quickly pay,

To take both life and love away.