Page:Breton Wither Browne.djvu/39

 Those that we to-day admire,

Prove the age's scorn to-morrow.

Take your honours; let me find

Virtue in a free born mind—

This, the greatest kings that be

Cannot give, nor take from me.

Though I vainly do not vaunt

Large demesnes, to feed my pleasure;

I have favours where you want,

That would buy respect with treasure.

You have lands lie here and there,

But my wealth is everywhere;

And this addeth to my store—

Fortune cannot make me poor.

Say you purchase with your pelf

Some respect, where you importune;

Those may love me for myself,

That regard you for your fortune.

Rich or born of high degree,

Fools as well as you may be;

But that peace in which I live

No descent nor wealth can give.

If you boast that you may gain

The respect of high-born beauties;

Know I never wooed in vain,

Nor preferrèd scornèd duties.

She I love hath all delight.

Rosy-red with lily-white.

And whoe'er your mistress be,

Flesh and blood as good as she.

Note of me was never took,

For my woman-like perfections;

But so like a man I look,

It hath gained me best affections.

For my love as many showers

Have been wept as have for yours:

And yet none doth me condemn

For abuse, or scorning them.