Thomas Campion (1567–1620)

THINK’ST thou to seduce me then with words that have no meaning?

Parrots so can learn to prate, our speech by pieces gleaning:

Nurses teach their children so about the time of weaning.

Learn to speak first, then to woo: to wooing much pertaineth:

He that courts us, wanting art, soon falters when he feigneth,

Looks asquint on his discourse and smiles when he complaineth.

Skilful anglers hide their hooks, fit baits for every season;

But with crooked pins fish thou, as babes do that want reason:

Gudgeons only can be caught with such poor tricks of treason.

Ruth forgive me (if I erred) from human heart’s compassion,

When I laughed sometimes too much to see thy foolish fashion:

But alas, who less could do that found so good occasion?