The Expostulation

Tell me, ye juster deities.
That pity lovers' miseries.
Why should my own unworthiness
Fright me to seek my happiness ?
It is as natural as just
Him for to love, whom needs I must :
All men confess that love's a fire ;
Then who denies it to aspire ?
Tell me, if thou wert fortune's thrall,
Would'st thou not raise thee from the fall,
Seek only to o'erlook thy state
Whereto thou art condemn'd by fate ?
Then let me love my Coridon,
And, by love's leave, him love alone :
For I have read of stories oft,
That love hath wings and soars aloft.
Then let me grow in my desire.
Though I be martyr'd in that fire ;
For grace it is enough for me.
But only to love such as he :
For never shall my thoughts be base.
Though luckless, yet without disgrace :
Then let him that my love shall blame
Or clip love's wings, or quench love's flame.