Classic Poem

Like an Oblation set before a Shrine,
Fair One! I offer up this Heart of mine.
Whether the Saint accept my Gift or no,
Ile neither fear nor doubt before I know.
For he whose faint distrust prevents reply,
Doth his own Suit's denial prophecy.

Your will the sentence is; Who free as Fate
Can bid my love proceed, or else retrayt.
And from short views that verdict is decreed
Which seldom doth one audience exceed.
Love asks no dull probation, but like light
Conveyes his nimble influence at first sight.

I need not therefore importune or press;
This were t'extort unwilling happiness:
And much against affection might I sin
To tire and weary what I seek to win.
Towns which by lingring siege enforced be
Oft make both Sides repent the victorie.

Be Mistriss of yourself, and let me thriye
Or suffer by your own prerogative.
Yet stay. Since you are Judge, who in one breath
Bear uncontrolled power of Life and Death,
Remember (Sweet) pity doth best become
Those Lips which must pronounce a Suitor's doome.

If I find that, my spark of chast desire
Shall kindle into Hymen's holy fire:
Else like sad flowers will these verses prove,
To stick the Coffin of rejected Love.