'Tis now since I sat down before

'Tis now since I sat down before That foolish fort, a heart, (Time strangely spent) a year and more, And still I did my part.

Made my approaches, from her hand Unto her lip did rise. And did already understand The language of her eyes.

Proceeded on with no less art, My tongue was engineer; I thought to undermine the heart By whispering in the ear.

When this did nothing, I brought down Great cannon oaths, and shot A thousand thousand to the town, And still it yielded not.

I then resolv'd to starve the place By cutting off all kisses, Praising and gazing on her face, And all such little blisses.

To draw her out and from her strength, I drew all batteries in; And brought myself to lie at length, As if no siege had been.

When I had done what man could do, And thought the place my own, The enemy lay quiet too, And smiled at all was done.

I sent to know from whence and where, These hopes, and this relief; A spy inform'd, Honour was there, And did command in chief.

March, march, (quoth I) the word straight give, Let's lose no time, but leave her; That giant upon air will live, And hold it out forever.

To such a place our camp remove As will no siege abide: I hate a fool that starves her love Only to feed her pride.