| Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503–42). The Poetical Works. 1880. | | | | Odes | | The Lover prayeth that his long Sufferings may at length find Recompense |
| | | YE know my heart, my Lady dear! | |
| That since the time I was your thrall | |
| I have been yours both whole and clear, | |
| Though my reward hath been but small; | |
| So am I yet, and more than all. | 5 |
| And ye know well how I have serv’d, | |
| As if ye prove it shall appear, | |
| How well, how long, | |
| How faithfully! | |
| And suffered wrong, | 10 |
| How patiently! | |
| Then since that I have never swerv’d, | |
| Let not my pains be undeserv’d. | |
| Ye know also, though ye say nay, | |
| That you alone are my desire; | 15 |
| And you alone it is that may | |
| Assuage my fervent flaming fire. | |
| Succour me then I you require! | |
| Ye know it were a just request, | |
| Since ye do cause my heat, I say, | 20 |
| If that I burn, | |
| It will ye warm, | |
| And not to turn, | |
| All to my harm, | |
| Lending such flame from frozen breast | 25 |
| Against nature for my unrest. | |
| And I know well how scornfully | |
| Ye have mista’en my true intent; | |
| And hitherto how wrongfully, | |
| I have found cause for to repent. | 30 |
| But if your heart doth not relent, | |
| Since I do know that this ye know, | |
| Ye shall slay me all wilfully. | |
| For me, and mine, | |
| And all I have, | 35 |
| Ye may assign, | |
| To spill or save. | |
| Why are ye then so cruel foe | |
| Unto your own, that loves you so? | | | | |
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