Love Posies.
The manuscript in which this Collection is found, was written about 1596.
[Harl. MS. 6910.]
<poem> There is no smart Can turn my heart.
I'll never be his, Whose ring this is.
A small remembrance.
Take me up, as I.
There is a time.
As black as a cony.
You wot what I wish.
Delayed too long.
Never fainthearted.
A foe, where you hate.
Mirth means wells.
A better were fitter.
I am not glad, If you be sad.
As true in love, As turtle-dove.
So able, as willing,
Faithful am I, So will I die.
Respect my mind, And not my gift.
I require, But you retire.
I will not refuse thee,
Till life refuse me.
Though a gift be small, Yet goodwill is all.
I give it thee To think on me
Sith hands are tied with hearts'* consent, Let only death the knot prevent.
Your mouse am I, So I will die.
Thoughts keep me waking.
Farewell! till then.
Chastity is a jewel.
A mite for a million.
No revel runs riot.
It is done, what then?
Wilt thou? whit not I?
A token to present The absent.
In thee my choice, I do rejoice.
A token of my goodwill.
Rather die, Than faith deny.
Chastity, my felicity.
I love no honey.
A friend's gift.
Wear this for a remembrance.
- <poem>
