| Herbert J.C. Grierson, ed. (1886–1960). Metaphysical Lyrics & Poems of the 17th C. 1921. |
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| Thomas Carew |
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| 31. To a Lady that desired I would love her |
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| NOW you have freely given me leave to love, | |
| What will you doe? | |
| Shall I your mirth, or passion move, | |
| When I begin to wooe; | |
| Will you torment, or scorn, or love me too? | 5 |
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| Each petty beauty can disdain, and I, | |
| Spight of your hate, | |
| Without your leave can see, and dye, | |
| Dispence a nobler Fate, | |
| Tis easie to destroy, you may create. | 10 |
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| Then give me leave to love, and love me too | |
| Not with designe | |
| To rayse, as Loves curst Rebels doe, | |
| When puling Poets whine, | |
| Fame to their beauty, from their blubbr'd eyn. | 15 |
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| Grief is a puddle, and reflects not clear | |
| Your beauties rayes; | |
| Joyes are pure streames, your eyes appear | |
| Sullen in sadder layes, | |
| In cheerfull numbers they shine bright with prayse. | 20 |
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| Which shall not mention, to express you fayr, | |
| Wounds, flames, and darts, | |
| Storms in your brow, nets in your hair, | |
| Suborning all your parts, | |
| Or to betray, or torture captive hearts. | 25 |
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| I'le make your eyes like morning Suns appear, | |
| As mild, and fair; | |
| Your brow as Crystal smooth, and clear, | |
| And your dishevell'd hayr | |
| Shall flow like a calm Region of the Ayr. | 30 |
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| Rich Nature's store, (which is the Poet's Treasure) | |
| I'le spend, to dress | |
| Your beauties, if your mine of Pleasure | |
| In equall thankfulness | |
| You but unlock, so we each other bless. | 35 |
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