Marywroth(1587–1651?)
Song ("Love what art thou? A vain thought")
Love what art thou A vain thought
In our minds by phant'sie 0 wrought,fancy
Idle smiles did thee beget
While fond wishes made the net
Which so many fools have caught;
Love what art thou light, and fair,
Fresh as morning, clear as th'air,
But too soon thy evening change
Makes thy worth with coldness range;
Still thy joy is mixed with care.
Love what art thou A sweet flow'r
Once full blown, dead in an hour,
Dust in wind as staid 0 remainssteadfast
As thy pleasure, or our gains
If thy humor change to lour.gloomy
Love what art thou childish, vain,
Firm as bubbles made by rain;
Wantonness thy greatest pride,
These foul faults thy virtues hide,
But babes can no staidness gain.
Love what art thou causeless curse,
Yet alas these not the worst,
Much more of thee may be said
But thy law I once obeyed
Therefore say no more at first.