The works of Sir John Suckling/The Expostulation

by John Suckling

THE EXPOSTULATION

Tell me, ye juster deities,
That pity lovers' miseries,
Why should my own unworthiness
Fright me to seek my happiness?
It is as natural as just5
Him for to love, whom needs I must:
All men confess that love's a fire;
Then who denies it to aspire?

Tell me, if thou wert fortune's thrall,
Would'st thou not raise thee from the fall,10
Seek only to o'erlook thy state
Whereto thou art condemn'd by fate?
Then let me love my Coridon,
And, by love's leave, him love alone:
For I have read of stories oft,15
That love hath wings and soars aloft.

Then let me grow in my desire,
Though I be martyr'd in that fire;
For grace it is enough for me,
But only to love such as he:20
For never shall my thoughts be base,
Though luckless, yet without disgrace:
Then let him that my love shall blame
Or clip love's wings, or quench love's flame.