Young and simple though I am

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Thomas Campion

The Fovrth Booke of Ayres

1618

IX. Young and simple though I am

      1  Young and simple though I am, 
      I haue heard of Cupids name :
      Guesse I can what thing it is, 
      Men desire when they doe kisse.
           Smoake can neuer burne they say, 
           But the flames that follow may.

      2  I am not so foule or fayre, 
      To be proud, nor to despayre ;
      Guesse I can what thing it is, 
      Men desire when they doe kisse.
           Smoake can neuer burne they say, 
           But the flames that follow may.

      3  Faith 'tis but a foolish minde, 
      Yet me thinkes a heat I finde,
      Like thirst longing that doth bide 
      Euer on my weaker side :
           Where they say my hart doth moue, 
           Venus grant it be not loue.

      4  If it be, alas, what then ? 
      Were not women made for men ?
      As good t'were a thing were past, 
           That must needes bee done at last.
           Roses that are ouer-blowne 
           Growe lesse sweet, then fall alone.

      5  Yet nor Churle, nor silken Gull
      Shall my Mayden blossome pull :
      Who shall not I soone can tell, 
      Who shall would I could as well :
           This I know who ere hee be, 
           Loue hee must, or flatter me.