The fault is hers that made me go astray;
He needs must wander that hath lost his way:20
Guiltless I am; she doth this change provoke,
And made that charcoal, which to her was oak,
And as a looking-glass from the aspect,
Whilst it is whole, doth but one face reflect;
But, being crackt or broken, there are grown25
Many less faces, where there was but one;
So love unto my heart did first prefer
Her image, and there placed none but her;
But, since 'twas broke and martyr'd by her scorn,
Many less faces in her place are born.30
LOVE'S REPRESENTATION
Leaning her head upon my breast,
There on love's bed she lay to rest;
My panting heart rock'd her asleep,
My heedful eyes the watch did keep;
Then, love by me being harbour'd there,5
(No hope to be his harbinger)
Desire his rival kept the door;
For this of him I begg'd no more,
But that, our mistress to entertain,
Some pretty fancy he would frame,10
And represent it in a dream,
Of which myself should give the theme.
Then first these thoughts I bid him show,
Which only he and I did know,
Arrayed in duty and respect,15
And not in fancies that reflect:
Then those of value next present,
Approv'd by all the world's consent;
But, to distinguish mine asunder,
Apparrell'd they must be in wonder.20
Such a device then I would have,
As service, not reward, should crave,
Attir'd in spotless innocence,
Not self-respect, nor no pretence:
Then such a faith I would have shown,25
As heretofore was never known,
Cloth'd with a constant clear intent,
Professing always as it meant:
