LXIV. No more! my Dear! no more these counsels try!

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

NO more! my Dear! no more these counsels try!

O give my passions leave to run their race!

Let Fortune lay on me her worst disgrace!

Let folk o’ercharged with brain, against me cry!

Let clouds bedim my face, break in mine eye!

Let me no steps but of lost labour trace!

Let all the earth in scorn recount my case;

But do not will me from my love to fly!

I do not envy ARISTOTLE’s wit;

Nor do aspire to CÆSAR’s bleeding fame;

Nor ought do care, though some above me sit;

Nor hope, nor wish another course to frame:

But that which once may win thy cruel heart.

Thou art my Wit, and thou my Virtue art.