A MADRIGAL
Reading edition
Before me careless lying, Young Love his ware comes crying; Full soon the elf untreasures His pack of pains and pleasures,— With roguish eye He bids me buy From out his pack of treasures. His wallet’s stuffed with blisses, With true-love-knots and kisses, With rings and rosy fetters, And sugared vows and letters;— He holds them out With boyish flout, And bids me try the fetters.
Nay, Child (I cry), I know them; There’s little need to show them! Too well for new believing I know their past deceiving,— I am too old (I say), and cold, To-day, for new believing! But still the wanton presses, With honey-sweet caresses, And still, to my undoing, He wins me, with his wooing, To buy his wares With all their cares, Their sorrow and undoing! Austin Dobson.