John Wilbye Grief Poems
- 1. Softly, O! Dropp Mine Eyes
Softly, O! dropp mine eyes, lest you be dry,
And make my heart with grief to melt and die.
Now pour out tears apace,
Now stay, O heavy case!
... - 2. Ye Restless Thoughts
Ye restless thoughts, that harbour discontent,
Cease your assaults and let my heart lament,
And let my tongue have leave to tell my grief,
That she may pity, though not grant relief.
... - 3. Sweet Love, If Thou Wilt Gain
Sweet love, if thou wilt gain a monarchâ??s glory,
Subdue her heart, who makes me glad and sorry,
Out of thy golden quiver,
Take thou the strongest arrow,
... - 4. O Wretched Man!
O wretched man! Why lovâ??st thou earthly life?
Which nought enjoys but cares and endless trouble;
What pleasure here, but breeds a world of grief?
What hourâ??s ease, that anguish doth not double;
... - 5. All Pleasure Is Of This Condition
All pleasure is of this condition,
It pricks men forward to fruition,
But if enjoy'd, then like the humming Bee,
The honey being shed, away doth flee;
... - 6. Ah! Cannot Sighs Not Tears
Ah! cannot sighs not tears, nor aught else move thee
To pity me, who more than life do love thee?
O cruel fates! see, now away sheâ??s flying,
And fly, alas! alas! and leave me dying.
...
