The Shepherd to his chosen Nymph

Only joy, now here you are.
Fit to hear and ease my care;
Let my whisp'ring voice obtain
Sweet reward for sharpest pain;
Take me to thee, and thee to me: —
" No, no, no, no, my dear, let be!"

Night hath closed all in her cloak;
Twinkling stars love-thoughts provoke:
Danger hence good care doth keep;
Jealousy itself doth sleep;
Take me to thee, and thee to me:
" No, no, no, no, my dear, let be! "

Better place no wit can find
Cupid's yoke to loose or bind;
These sweet flowers, our fine bed too.
Us in their best language woo;
Take me to thee, and thee to me: —
" No, no, no, no, my dear, let be!"

This small light the moon bestows.
Serves thy beams but to disclose,'
So to raise my heart'' more high:
Fear not, else none can us spy;
Take me to thee, and thee to me; —
"No, no, no, no, my dear, let be!"

That you heard was but a mouse.
Dumb sleep holdeth all the house;
Yet asleep methinks they say.
Young folks, take time while you may;
Take me to thee, and thee to me: —
" No, no, no, no, my dear, let be!"

Niggard Time threats, if we miss
This large offer of our bliss,
Long stay ere he grant the same:
Sweet, then, while each thing doth frame,
Take me to thee, and thee to me: —
" No, no, no, no, my dear, let be!"

Your fair mother is abed,
Candles out and curtains spread;
She thinks you do letters write:
Write, but let me first indite:

Take me to thee, and thee to me: —
"No, no, no, no, my dear, let be! "
Sweet (alas!) why strive you thus?
Concord better fitteth us;
Leave to Mars the force of hands,
Your power in your beauty stands:

Take me to thee, and thee to me: —
" No, no, no, no, my dear, let be I"
Woe to me! and" do you swear
Me to hate, but I forbear?

Curs'd be my destinies all,
That brought me so high to fall!
Soon with my death I will please thee: —
" No, no, no, no, my dear, let be!"