| William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Elizabethan Verse. 1907. | | | | Passions | | By Thomas Watson (1555–1592) |
| | | IF Jove himself be subject unto Love | |
| And range the woods to find a mortal prey; | |
| If Neptune from the seas himself remove, | |
| And seek on sands with earthly wights to play: | |
| Then may I love my peerless choice by right, | 5 |
| Who far excels each other mortal wight. | |
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| If Pluto could by love be drawn from hell, | |
| To yield himself a silly virgin’s thrall; | |
| If Phœbus could vouchsafe on earth to dwell, | |
| To win a rustic maid unto his call: | 10 |
| Then how much more should I adore the sight | |
| Of her, in whom the heavens themselves delight? | |
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| If country Pan might follow nymphs in chase, | |
| And yet through love remain devoid of blame; | |
| If Satyrs were excused for seeking grace | 15 |
| To joy the fruits of any mortal dame: | |
| Then, why should I once doubt to love her still | |
| On whom ne Gods nor men can gaze their fill? | | | | |
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