O Sorrow, wilt thou live with me
      No casual mistress, but a wife,
      My bosom-friend and half of life;
As I confess it needs must be;

O Sorrow, wilt thou rule my blood,
      Be sometimes lovely like a bride,
      And put thy harsher moods aside,
If thou wilt have me wise and good.

My centred passion cannot move,
Nor will it lessen from to-day;
      But I'll have leave at times to play
As with the creature of my love;

And set thee forth, for thou art mine,
      With so much hope for years to come,
      That, howsoe'er I know thee, some
Could hardly tell what name were thine.


Last modified 12 February 2010