The doubtful Lover resolveth to be assured whether he is to live in joy or woe

LO! how I seek and sue to have

That no man hath, and may be had;

There is [no] more but sink or save,

And bring this doubt to good or bad.

To live in sorrows always sad,

I like not so to linger forth;

Hap evil or good I shall be glad

To take that comes, as well in worth.

Should I sustain this great distress,

Still wandering forth thus to and fro,

In dreadful hope to hold my peace,

And feed myself with secret woe?

Nay! nay! certain, I will not so!

But sure I shall myself apply

To put in proof this doubt to know,

And rid this danger readily.

I shall assay by secret suit

To shew the mind of mine intent;

And my deserts shall give such fruit

As with my heart my words be meant;

So by the proof of this consent

Soon out of doubt I shall be sure,

For to rejoice, or to repent,

In joy, or pain for to endure.