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Iohn Dowland

IX. What if I neuer speede.

      What if I neuer speede,
           shall I straight yeeld to dispaire,
      And still on sorrow feede
           that can no losse repaire.
      Or shall I change my loue,
           for I find power to depart,
      And in my reason proue
           I can command my hart.
      But if she will pittie my desire, 
           and my loue requite,
      Then ever shall she liue my deare delight.
           Come, come, come, while I haue a heart to desire thee,
           Come, come, come, for either I will loue or admire thee.
     
      Oft haue I dream'd of ioy,
           yet I neuer felt the sweete,
      But tired with annoy,
           my griefs each other greete.
      Oft haue I left my hope,
           as a wretch by fate forlorne.
      But Loue aims at one scope,
           and lost will still returne:
      He that once loues with a true desire 
           neuer can depart,
      For Cupid is the king of euery hart.
           Come, come, &c.