Xliv

When I more large thy praises forth shall show, That all the world thy beauty shall admire, Desiring that most sacred nymph to know Which hath the shepherd's fancy set on fire; Till then, my dear, let these thine eyes content, Till then, fair love, think if I merit favour, Till then, O let thy merciful assent Relish my hopes with some comforting savour; So shall you add such courage to my muse That she shall climb the steep Parnassus hill, That learnèd poets shall my deeds peruse When I from thence obtainèd have more skill; And what I sing shall always be of thee As long as life or breath remains in me!