Love

Sweet, exclude me not, nor be divided

by Thomas Campion 1567–1620

From Two Books of Airs: Light Conceits of Lovers (c. 1613)

Love

Sweet, exclude me not, nor be divided
From him that ere long must bed thee
All thy maiden doubts law hath decided;
Sure we are, and I must wed thee.
Presume then yet a little more:
Here's the way, bar not the door.

Tenants, to fulfil their landlord's pleasure,
Pay their rent before the quarter:
'Tis my case, if you it rightly measure;
Put me not then off with laughter.
Consider then a little more:
Here's the way to all my store.

Why were doors in love's despight devised?
Are not laws enough restraining?
Women are most apt to be surprised
Sleeping, or sleep wisely feigning.
Then grace me yet a little more:
Here's the way, bar not the door.

✦ ✦ ✦

Two Books of Airs: Light Conceits of Lovers (c. 1613)

MLA

Campion, Thomas. “Sweet, exclude me not, nor be divided.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/campion/57/.

Chicago

Campion, Thomas. “Sweet, exclude me not, nor be divided.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/campion/57/.

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