Classic Poem

When wert thou born, Desire?
In pride and pomp of May.
By whom, sweet boy, wert thou begot?
By Self Conceit, men say.
Tell me, who was thy nurse?
Fresh Youth, in sugared joy.
What was thy meat and daily food?
Sad sighs and great annoy.
What haddest thou to drink?
Unfeigned lovers' tears.
What cradle wert thou rocked in?
In hope devoid of fears.
What brought thee to thy sleep?
Sweet thoughts, which liked me best.
And where is now thy dwelling-place?
In gentle hearts I rest.
Doth company displease?
It doth, in many one.
Where would Desire then choose to be?
He loves to muse alone.
What feedeth most thy sight?
To gaze on favour still.
Whom finds thou most thy foe?
Disdain of my good will.
Will ever age or death
Bring thee unto decay?
No, no! Desire both lives and dies
A thousand times a day.