George Turberville (1540?–1610?)

That Always Willed Him to Wear Rosemary for Her Sake in Token of Good-will to Her

THE GREEN that you did wish me wear

Aye for your love,

And on my helm a branch to bear

Not to remove,

Was ever you to have a mind,

Whom Cupid hath my fere assigned.

As I in this have done your will,

And mind to do;

So I request you to fulfil

My fancy too;

A green and loving heart to have,

And this is all that I do crave.

For if your flowering heart should change

His colour green,

Or you at length a lady strange

Of me be seen;

Then will my branch against his use

His colour change for your refuse.

As winter’s force can not deface

This branch his hue,

So let no change of love disgrace

Your friendship true:

You were mine own and be so still,

So shall we live and love our fill.

Then may I think my self to be

Well recompensed,

For wearing of the tree that is

So well defenced

Against all weather that doth fall

When wayward winter spits his gall.

And when we meet, to try me true,

Look on my head,

And I will crave an oath of you,

Where faith be fled?

So shall we both assured be,

Both I of you, and you of me?