Nicholas Breton
If it be so that thou hast sworn
That none shall look on thee,
Yet let me know thou dost not scorn
To cast a look on me.
But if thy beauty make thee proud,
Think then what is ordain'd;
The heavens have never yet allow'd
That love should be disdain'd.
Then lest the fates that favour love
Should curse thee for unkind,
Let me report for thy behoof,
The honour of thy mind;
Let Corydon with full consent
Set down what he hath seen,
That Phyllida with Love's content
Is sworn the shepherds' queen.
Shall we go dance the hay? The hay?
Never pipe could ever play
Better shepherd's roundelay.
Shall we go sing the song? The song?
Never Love did ever wrong.
Fair maids, hold hands all along.
Shall we go learn to woo? To woo?
Never thought came ever to[o] (?)
Better deed could better do.
Shall we go learn to kiss? To kiss?
Never heart could ever miss
Comfort where true meaning is.
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