Classic Poem

CI

To seek each where where man doth live —
The sea, the land, the rock, the clive,
France, Spain, and Ind, and everywhere —
Is none a greater gift to give,
Less set by oft, and is so lief and dear,
Dare I well say, than that I give to year.

I cannot give brooches nor rings —
These goldsmiths' work and goodly things —
Perrie nor pearl, orient and clear.
But for all that is, no man brings
Liefer jewel unto his lady dear,
Dare I well say, than that I give to year.

Nor I seek not to fetch it far;
Worse is it not though it be nar.
And as it is it doth appear,
Uncounterfeit, mistrust to bar,
Left whole and pure withouten peer,
Dare I well say, the gift I give to year.

To thee therefore the same retain.
The like of thee to have again
France would I give if mine it were.
Is none alive in whom doth reign
Lesser disdain. Freely therefore, lo, here
Dare I well give, I say, my heart to year.