William Alexander, Earl of Stirling (1567?–1640)

O IF thou knew’st how thou thyself dost harm,

And dost prejudge thy bliss, and spoil my rest;

Then thou would’st melt the ice out of thy breast

And thy relenting heart would kindly warm.

O if thy pride did not our joys controul,

What world of loving wonders should’st thou see;

For if I saw thee once transformed in me,

Then in thy bosom would I pour my soul;

Then all my thoughts should in thy visage shine,

And if that ought mischanced thou should’st not moan

Nor bear the burthen of thy griefs alone;

No, I would have my share in what were thine.

And whilst we thus should make our sorrows one,

This happy harmony would make them none.