Classic Poem

C LORIS , farwell! I needs must goe!
for if w i th thee I longer stay,
thine eyes p re vayle upon me soe,
I shall grow blynd & lose my way.

ffame of thy bewty & thy youth,
amongst the rest me hither brought;
but finding fame fall short of truth,
made me stay longer then I thought.

ffor I am engaged by word [and] othe
a servant to anothers will;
but for thy loue wold forfitt both,
were I but sure to keepe itt still

But what assurance can I take,
when thou, fore-knowing this abuse,
for some [more] worthy louers sake
mayst leaue me w i th soe Iust excuse.

ffor thou wilt say it, " it was not thy fault
tha t I to thee vnconstant proue,
but were by mine example taught
to breake thy othe to mend thy loue. "

Noe, Cloris, Noe! I will returne,
& rayse thy story to that height
tha t strangers shall att distance burne,
& shee distrust thee reprobate.

Then shall my loue this Doubt displace,
& gaine the trust tha t I may come
& sometimes banquett on thy face,
but make my constant meales att home.