Francis Beaumont (1584–1616)

NEVER more will I protest

To love a woman but in jest:

For as they cannot be true,

So to give each man his due,

When the wooing fit is past,

Their affection cannot last.

Therefore if I chance to meet

With a mistress fair and sweet,

She my service shall obtain,

Loving her for love again:

Thus much liberty I crave

Not to be a constant slave.

But when we have tried each other,

If she better like another,

Let her quickly change for me;

Then to change am I as free.

He or she that loves too long

Sell their freedom for a song.