Page:Golden Treasury of English Songs and Lyrics.djvu/24

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Yet this abundant issue seem’d to me But hope of orphans, and unfather’d fruit; For summer and his pleasures wait on thee, And, thou away, the very birds are mute;
Or if they sing, ’tis with so dull a cheer,That leaves look pale, dreading the winter’s near. W. Shakespeare


xii

A CONSOLATION

When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes I all alone beweep my outcast state,And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, And look upon myself, and curse my fate;
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possest, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope, With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising, Haply I think on Thee—and then my state, Like to the lark at break of day arising From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate;
For thy sweet love remember’d, such wealth brings That then I scorn to change my state with kings. W. Shakespeare


xiii

THE UNCHANGEABLE

O never say that I was false of heart, Though absence seem’d my flame to qualify: As easy might I from myself depart As from my soul, which in thy breast doth lie;
That is my home of love; if I have ranged, Like him that travels, I return again,
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