Accept, my love, as true a heart
As ever lover gave:
'Tis free, it vows, from any art,
And proud to be your slave.
Then take it kindly, as 'twas meant,
And let the giver live,
Who, with it, would the world have sent
Had it been his to give.
And, that Dorinda may not fear
I e'er will prove untrue,
My vow shall, ending with the year,
With it begin anew.
Matthew Prior.