Tudor and Stuart Love Songs — John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester

TOO LATE!

Too late, alas!

I must confess, You need not arts to move me;

Such charms by nature you possess, 'Twere madness not to love ye.

Then spare a heart you may surprise, And give my tongue the glory To boast, though my unfaithful eyes Betray a tender story.

John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester.

MY MISTRESS' HEART.

My dear mistress has a heart Soft as those kind looks she gave me;

When with Love's resistless art, And her eyes, she did enslave me.

But her constancy's so weak, She's so wild and apt to wander;

That my jealous heart would break Should we live one day asunder.

Melting joys about her move, Killing pleasures, wounding blisses;

She can dress her eyes in love, And her lips can arm with kisses.

Angels listen when she speaks, She's my delight, all mankind wonder;

But my jealous heart would break Should we live one day asunder.

John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester.

CONSTANCY.

I cannot change, as others do, Though you unjustly scorn;

Since the poor swain that sighs for you, For you alone was born.

No, Phillis, no, your heart to move A surer way I'll try;

And to revenge my slighted love, Will still love on and die.

When, killed with grief, Amyntas lies, And you to mind shall call The sighs that now unpitied rise, The tears that vainly fall;

That welcome hour that ends his smart, Will then begin your pain;

For such a faithful tender heart Can never break in vain.

John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester.