Classic Poem

As Love is cause of joy,
So Love procureth care;
As Love doth end annoy,
So Love doth cause despair;
But yet I oft heard say,
And wise men like did give,
That no one at this day
Without a love can live.
And think you I will Love defy?
No, no! I love until I die.

Love knits the sacred knot,
Love heart and hand doth bind;
Love will not shrink one jot,
But Love doth keep his kind;
Love maketh friends of foes,
Love stays the commonwealth;
Love doth exile all woes
That would impair our health:
Since Love doth men and monsters move,
What man so fond will love disprove?

Love keeps the happy peace,
Love doth all strife allay,
Love sendeth rich increase,
Love keepeth wars away;
Love of itself is all,
Love hath no fellow-mate;
Love causeth me and shall,
Love those that love my state.
Then love will I until I die;
And all fond love I will defy.