Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/86

 33. An Epitaph

O mortal folk, you may behold and see How I lie here, sometime a mighty knight; The end of joy and all prosperitee Is death at last, thorough his course and might: After the day there cometh the dark night, For though the daye be never so long, At last the bells ringeth to evensong.

SIR THOMAS WYATT

1503-1542

34. Forget not yet

The Lover Beseecheth his Mistress not to Forget his Steadfast Faith and True Intent

Forget not yet the tried intent Of such a truth as I have meant; My great travail so gladly spent, Forget not yet!

Forget not yet when first began The weary life ye know, since whan The suit, the service, none tell can; Forget not yet!

Forget not yet the great assays, The cruel wrong, the scornful ways, The painful patience in delays, Forget not yet!

Forget not! O, forget not this!— How long ago hath been, and is, The mind that never meant amiss— Forget not yet!