To thee my heart I give, whilst I here do live.
Love joineth hands in wedlock's bands.
64.
_A Posy engraven about a Jewel, sent to a Gentlewoman._
There is no jewel I can see
Like love that's set in constancy.
65.
_A Posy to an unkind disdainful Maid._
Each frown of yours is like a dart
That woundeth me unto the heart.
What conquest were it, if that I
By your cruel frown should die;
Since love my only trespass is?
And shall I die, alas, for this?
66.
_Her Reply._
If alas, for love you chance to die;
'Tis your own folly kills your heart; not I.
67.
_A Posy engraven on a gold Ring._
By this ring of gold,
Take me to have and hold!
68.
_Another._
What joy in life to a good Wife?
69.
_A Posy embroidered on a Scarf._
Fairest, wear this scarf that I do send, That may your beauty from the
wind defend; For I do know the winds, if like to me, To kiss your lips
and cheeks desirous be.
70.
_On the choice of a Wife._
If thou intend'st to choose a Wife,
With whom to lead a happy life;
Look not for Beauty, since there are
Few that can be chaste and fair.
But if thou do her Virtues find,
Which are the beauty of the mind,
Woo her then to gain consent!
For virtuous love can ne'er repent.
CUPID's Conclusion.
CUPID's _Posies_ now at last are done.
For if you read them all, you will like some.
For these new _Posies_ are both sweet and brief,
And will disclose the sighing Lover's grief.
For CUPID, having too much idle leisure,
Composed these _Posies_ for his pleasure.
Fair Maids, my _Posies_ now are done;
Which for your sakes I first begun.
And young Men here may always choose
Such _Posies_ as they mean to use.
I CUPID writ them on a day,
When VENUS gave me leave to play;
And if you like them, for my pain:
Then CUPID means to write again.