XXVII

Though I thy Mithridates[25] were

Framed to defy the poisondart,

Yet must thou fold me unaware

To know the rapture of thy heart

And I but render and confess

The malice of thy tenderness.

For elegant and antique phrase,

Dearest, my lips wax all too wise;

Nor have I known a love whose praise

Our piping poets solemnise,

Neither a love where may not be

Ever so little falsity.