Could my heart more

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Thomas Campion

The Third Booke of Ayres

1618

XXIIII. Could my heart more

           1  Could my heart more tongues imploy,
       Than it harbors thoughts of griefe ;
           It is now so farre from ioy,
       That it scarce could aske reliefe.
           Truest hearts by deedes vnkinde,
           To despayre are most enclin'd.

           2  Happy mindes that can redeeme
       Their engagements how they please ;
           That no ioyes, or hopes esteeme
       Halfe so pretious as their ease.
           Wisedom should prepare men so
           As if they did all foreknow.

           3  Yet no Art or Caution can
       Growne affections easily change ;
           Vse is such a Lord of Man,
       That he brookes worst what is strange.
           Better neuer to be blest,
           Than to loose all at the best.