The Works of Abraham Cowley/Volume 2/My Diet
MY DIET.
Now, by my Love, the greatest oath that is,None loves you half so well as I:I do not ask your love for this;But for Heaven's sake believe me, or I die.No servant e'er but did deserveHis master should believe that he does serve;And I'll ask no more wages, though I starve.
’Tis no luxurious diet this, and sureI shall not by 't too lusty prove;Yet shall it willingly endure,If't can but keep together life and love.Being your prisoner and your slave,I do not feasts and banquets look to have;A little bread and water's all I crave.
On a sigh of pity I a year can live;One tear will keep me twenty, at least;Fifty, a gentle look will give;An hundred years on one kind word I'll feast:A thousand more will added be,If you an inclination have for me;And all beyond is vast eternity!