William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Elizabethan Verse. 1907.
Fancy and DesireEdward Vere, Earl of Oxford (15501604)
C
‘Sir, what do you require?’
I pray thee, shew to me, thy name!
‘My name is Fond Desire.’
‘In pomp and prime of May.’
By whom, sweet boy, wert thou begot?
‘By fond Conceit, men say.’
‘Fresh Youth, in sugared joy.’
What was thy meat and daily food?
‘Sad sighs, with great annoy.’
‘Unfeignèd lovers’ tears.’
What cradle wert thou rockèd in?
‘In hope devoid of fears.’
‘Sweet speech, which likes me best.’
Tell me where is thy dwelling-place?
‘In gentle hearts I rest.’
‘To gaze on beauty still.’
Whom dost thou think to be thy foe?
‘Disdain of my good-will.’
‘Yes, surely, many one.’
Where doth Desire delight to live?
‘He loves to live alone.’
Bring him into decay?
‘No, no! Desire both lives and dies
A thousand times a day.’
Thou art no mate for me;
I should be loth, methinks, to dwell
With such a one as thee.