T H E
F I R S T   B O O K E
of Songes or Ayres

R O B E R T   I O N E S

1600

21. Can modest plaine desire.

                      1 
       Can modest plaine desire,
       To the ioies of loue aspire ?
       Can worthinesse procure more
       Then hardinesse assure ?
             No no no where feare of each frowne,
             Takes hopes height downe downe a downe.

                      2 
       Granting is so eschew'd,
       Least the grant lie vnpursued:
       Least sutors brag they might,
       And account the grantors light:
             No no no is a weake defence growne,
             Till force beare downe downe a downe.
 
                      3 
       Yet who would staine loues seate,
       With a blot of such a feate:
       Or for so vile a toy,
       Ioine repentance with his ioy.
             No no no her vertue well knowne,
             Beates vaine thoughts downe downe a downe.