Complaint of a Lover rebuked

LOVE, that liveth and reigneth in my thought,

That built his seat within my captive breast;

Clad in the arms wherein with me he fought,

Oft in my face he doth his banner rest.

She, that me taught to love, and suffer pain;

My doubtful hope, and eke my hot desire

With shamefaced cloak to shadow and restrain,

Her smiling grace converteth straight to ire.

And coward Love then to the heart apace

Taketh his flight; whereas he lurks, and plains

His purpose lost, and dare not shew his face.

For my Lord’s guilt thus faultless bide I pains.

Yet from my Lord shall not my foot remove:

Sweet is his death, that takes his end by love.