“Were I as base as is the lowly plain”

Joshua Sylvester (1563–1618)

WERE I as base as is the lowly plain,

And you, my Love, as high as heaven above,

Yet should the thoughts of me your humble swain

Ascend to heaven, in honor of my Love.

Were I as high as heaven above the plain,

And you, my Love, as humble and as low

As are the deepest bottoms of the main,

Wheresoe’er you were, with you my love should go.

Were you the earth, dear Love, and I the skies,

My love should shine on you like to the sun,

And look upon you with ten thousand eyes

Till heaven waxed blind, and till the world were done.

Wheresoe’er I am, below, or else above you,

Wheresoe’er you are, my heart shall truly love you.