Lyrics: Philip Sidney
Music: Philip Sidney
MY mistress lowers, and saith I do not love!
I do protest, and seek with service due,
In humble mind, a constant faith to prove:
But for all this, I cannot her remove
From deep vain thought that I may not be true.
“My hand doth not bear witness with my heart,”
She saith, “because I make no woful lays,
To paint my living death, and endless smart.”
And so, for one that felt god CUPID’s dart,
She thinks I lead and live too merry days.
As for my mirth—how could I but be glad
Whilst that, me thought, I justly made my boast
That only I, the only mistress had.
But now, if e’er my face with joy be clad;
Think HANNIBAL did laugh, when Carthage lost!