v. WILLIAM HUNNIS, died 1568. THE LOVER CURSETH THE TIME WHEN FIRST HE FELL IN LOVE. WHE HEN first mine eyes did view and mark And when mine ears 'gan first to hark The pleasant words that thou me told : I would as then I had been free And when my hands did handle oft, And when in mind I did consent To taste such bait myself to spill, Then should not I such cause have found To wish this monstrous sight to see, Nor thou, alas! that madest the wound, Should not deny me remedy: Then should one will in both remain, To ground one heart which now is twain. VI. GEORGE GASCOIGNE, 1535?-1577 THE LULLABY OF A LOVER. ING lullaby, as women do, SIN Wherewith they bring their babes to rest ; And lullaby can I sing too, As womanly as can the best. With lullaby they still the child; And, if I be not much beguiled, Full many a wanton babe have I, Which must be stilled with lullaby. First lullaby my youthful years, For crooked age and hoary hairs Have won the haven within my head. With lullaby then youth be still; With lullaby content thy will ; Since courage quails and comes behind, Go sleep and so beguile thy mind ! Next, lullaby my gazing eyes, To show the furrows in my face. And lullaby my wanton will; Let reason's rule now rein thy thought; Since all too late I find by skill How dear I have thy fancies bought; With lullaby now take thine ease, Eke lullaby my loving boy, Since age Keep close thy coin, for so is best. With lullaby be thou content; With lullaby thy lusts relent. Let others pay which have more pence; Thou art too poor for such expense. |