| T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22. | | | | Fain Would I Wed a Fair Young Man | | By Thomas Campion (1567–1620) |
| | | FAIN would I wed a fair young man that day and night could please me, | |
| When my mind or body grieved that had the power to ease me. | |
| Maids are full of longing thoughts that breed a bloodless sickness, | |
| And that, oft I hear men say, is only cured by quickness, | |
| Oft I have been wooed and prayed, but never could be moved; | 5 |
| Many for a day or so I have most dearly loved, | |
| But this foolish mind of mine straight loathes the thing resolved; | |
| If to love be sin in me that sin is soon absolved. | |
| Sure I think I shall at last fly to some holy order; | |
| When I once am settled there then can I fly no farther. | 10 |
| Yet I would not die a maid, because I had a mother; | |
| As I was by one brought forth I would bring forth another. | | | | |
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