Classic Poem

Like as the Adamante by vertue straunge
with onely touch doth govern and controlle
The Pilats nedle so that he cannot raunge
but alwaies tornes his pointe unto the Pole
even so myne eyes which earst ech way did roll
Since they did feele the touch of your fayre hue
Doo what I cann will turne to none but yow.

And meare affection so engraves your name
amidst the depth off my moste loyall Breste
That forraine bewtye cann no battry frame
to wynn the harte whereoff yow are posseste
for such a forte may hardelye be oppreste
Whereas by death the trustye Souldyer tries
That in his harte no feare nor treasone lyes

But as the Rocke whereon the waves doo beate
doth never shrinke but still moste fyrmely stand
Likewise my selfe, when frownes disegrace doth threat
even then my faithe mooste constant shalbe scande
for though those checks which I fynde at your hande
Can force dispayre to lead me to the brynke
Yett hope in yow will never lett me synke

Yf then to hyme that houldeth yow so deare
yow be ungrate and seeke to worke his woe
Thereby in yow shall nature vile appeare
to make no diffrence twixte a frynd and foe
but sure I am the heavens wold not bestowe.
Uppon that wight a Cruell cancred mynde
To whom they have such bewtye rare assignde

And yett yf yow prolonge my growinge griefe
thereby to shew on me your power and mighte
Loe I will pyne and never seeke relyeffe
and which is more yff yow desyre the sighte
my hande by death shall doo my lyfe dispighte
For be assured that naughte shall me dysplease
That yow cann wishe to yeald your fancye ease.