Classic Poem

As I have liv'd, I live, and live so will,
With selfe same baite that LOVE for me did lay,
When he his net (to traine me in by skill)
Did open set, to bring me to his bay:
Only that I might sigh for thee alone,
And sue for Grace, although Grace found I none.

Then ALBA let it not displeasen thee,
Nor make thou shew of anger for the same:
Though my sweete Bonds so strait and inward bee,
Since I (not thou) doe beare thereof the paine:
And that my love to thee is growne so neere,
As then my life I value it more deere.

Thine was I first, and thine at last I am,
And thine I will be to the world his end:
For thee into this world I willing came,
And leave this world I will, fore thee offend.
Meane time thy matchles vertues I will blase,
And spend my life, sighing for thee alwaies.

Ah LOVE twas thou that tookst my libertie,
And of Freeman inforst me be a slave,
Whilst Hers to be, and thine, most willinglie
I am content this servile yoke to have.
LOVES prisoner then, begging at Beauties gate,
Some Almes bestow sweete Ladie for Gods sake.