Classic Poem

When Beautie sickneth, then Desire doth die,
Favor doth vade most flouring in his prime,
Then LOVE doth ebbe, when flowes Adversitie ,
But Friendship bides out everie stormie Time .
 Ah ALBA I not doted have on thee,
 But lov'd thee deare, as deere, as deere might bee.

Affection , (alwaies) either grounded is,
On Vertue , (and Vertue nere peevish showes)
Or else on Beautie , (counted chiefest blisse)
And Beautie praisde, (through Love ) more fairer growes:
 I never Perverse was, nor Sullen yet,
 But praisde thy Beautie to mine utmost wit.

To thee, I, both a Friend and Lover am,
Yet every Lover is no Constant Friend ,
But who a Friend in Nature is and Name ,
As Lover true begins, and true doth end:
 Thy truest Friend am I, more then another,
 And unto thee the faithfulst loyalst Lover .

Vertue (in me) Affection shall subdue,
Wisedome , all Lust , my Friendship sweetest Beautie ,
Ile not be fickle, false, but constant, true,
Serving thee still, with all respect of Dutie;
 And when I shall be buried, dead and gone,
 My Ghost shall (as thy Slave ) thee tend upon.