Part 2 — "WERE I AS BASE AS IS THE LOWLY PLAIN"
Reading edition
Were I as base as is the lowly plain, And you, my love, as high as heaven above, Yet should the thoughts of me, your humble swain, Ascend to heaven in honor of my love. Were I as high as heaven above the plain, And you, my love, as humble and as low As are the deepest bottoms of the main, Wheresoe'er you were, with you my love should go. Were you the earth, dear love, and I the skies, My love should shine on you, like to the sun, And look upon you with ten thousand eyes, Till heaven waxed blind and till the world were done. Wheresoe'er I am,—below, or else above you,— Wheresoe'er you are, my heart shall truly love you.
Joshua Sylvester [1563-1618]