XXIII LOVE, banished heaven, in earth was held in scorn, Wand'ring abroad in need and beggary; And wanting friends, though of a goddess born, Yet craved the alms of such as passed by. I, like a man devout and charitable, Clothed the naked, lodged this wandering guest; And set my breast, his lodging, on a fire. Well, well, my friends, when beggars grow thus bold, No marvel then though charity grow cold. XXIV I HEAR Some say, "This man is not in love!" C XXV O, WHY should nature niggardly restrain But bounded thus, to Scotland get you forth! And let the bards within that Irish isle, And when my flowing numbers they rehearse, verse. TO DESPAIR XXVI I EVER love where never hope appears, Yet my hope's wings are laden so with fear scope. Yet this large room is bounded with despair, So my love is still fettered with vain hope, And liberty deprives him of his scope, And thus am I imprisoned in the air. Then, sweet despair, awhile hold up thy head, my hope for sorrow will be dead. Or all XXVII Is not love here as 'tis in other climes, Or have our passions lesser power than theirs, As I am sure my sighs come from a heart as true any man's that memory can boast, And my respects and services to you, Equal with his that loves his mistress most. Or only you do violate her laws. |