Oxford Book of English Verse, Part 1 by  Arthur Quiller-Couch

The Appeal

An Earnest Suit to His Unkind Mistress,

Not To Forsake Him

And wilt thou leave me thus?

Say nay, say nay, for shame!

—To save thee from the blame

Of all my grief and grame.

And wilt thou leave me thus?

Say nay! say nay!

And wilt thou leave me thus,

That hath loved thee so long

In wealth and woe among:

And is thy heart so strong

As for to leave me thus?

Say nay! say nay!

And wilt thou leave me thus,

That hath given thee my heart

Never for to depart

Neither for pain nor smart:

And wilt thou leave me thus?

Say nay! say nay!

And wilt thou leave me thus,

And have no more pitye

Of him that loveth thee?

Alas, thy cruelty!

And wilt thou leave me thus?

Say nay! say nay!

— Sir Thomas Wyatt
1503-1542   


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