Herbert J.C. Grierson, ed. (1886–1960). Metaphysical Lyrics & Poems of the 17th C. 1921.

1610–1643 Sidney Godolphin

Song

NOE more unto my thoughts appeare,

Att least appeare lesse fayre,

For crazy tempers justly feare

The goodnesse of the ayre;

Whilst your pure Image hath a place

In my impurer Mynde,

Your very shaddow is the glasse

Where my defects I finde.

Shall I not fly that brighter light

Which makes my fyres looke pale,

And put that vertue out of sight

Which makes myne none att all?

No, no, your picture doeth impart

Such valew I not wish

The native worth to any heart

That ’s unadorn’d with this.

Though poorer in desert I make

My selfe whilst I admyre,

The fuell which from hope I take

I give to my desire.

If this flame lighted from your Eyes

The subject doe calcine,

A Heart may bee your sacrifice

Too weake to bee your shrine.