Classic Poem

The love of change hath changed the world throughout,
And nought is counted good but what is strange:
New things wax old, old new, all turn about,
And all things change except the love of change.
Yet feel I not this love of change in me,
But as I am, so will I always be.

For who can change that likes his former choice?
Who better wish, that knows he hath the best?
How can the heart in things unknown rejoice,
If joy well tried can bring no certain rest?
My choice is made, change he that list for me;
Such as I am, so will I always be.

Who ever changed and not confessed his want?
And who confessed his want and not his woe?
Then change who list, thy woe shall not be scant;
Within thyself thou feed'st thy mortal foe.
Change calls for change; no end, no ease for thee:
Then as I am, so will I always be.

Mine eyes confess they have their wished sight;
My heart affirms it feels the love it sought;
Mine inward thoughts are fed with true delight,
Which full consent of constant joy hath wrought.
And full content desires no change to see:
Then as I am, so will I always be.

Rest then, my heart, and keep thine old delight,
Which, like the Phaenix, waxeth young each day:
Each hour presents new pleasure to my sight;
More cause of joy increaseth ev'ry way.
True love with age doth daily clearer see:
Then as I am, so will I always be.

What gained fair Cresside by her faithless change,
But loss of fame, of beauty, health, and life?
Mark Jason's hap, that ever loved to range,
That lost his children and his princely wife.
Then change, farewell, thou art no mate for me:
But as I am, so will I always be.

JAMAIS AUTRE .