Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/313

 Beyond that wish, all these now cancel must, As if not writ in faith, but words and dust. Yet witness those clear vows which lovers make, Witness the chaste desires that never brake Into unruly heats; witness that breast Which in thy bosom anchor'd his whole rest— 'Tis no default in us: I dare acquite Thy maiden faith, thy purpose fair and white As thy pure self. Cross planets did env? Us to each other, and Heaven did untie Faster than vows could bind. Oh, that the stars, When lovers meet, should stand opposed in wars!

Since then some higher Destinies command, Let us not strive, nor labour to withstand What is past help. The longest date of grief Can never yield a hope of our relief: Fold back our arms; take home our fruitless loves, That must new fortunes try, like turtle-doves Dislodgèd from their haunts. We must in tears Unwind a love knit up in many years. In this last kiss I here surrender thee Back to thyself.—So, thou again art free: Thou in another, sad as that, resend The truest heart that lover e'er did lend. Now turn from each: so fare our sever'd hearts As the divorced soul from her body parts.

280. Exequy on his Wife

Accept, thou shrine of my dead saint, Instead of dirges this complaint; And for sweet flowers to crown thy herse Receive a strew of weeping verse