Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 1.djvu/404

13.
Entised on with hope of future gaine,
I suffred long what did my soule displease;
But when my youth was spent, my hope was vaine,
I felt my native strength at last decrease;
I gan my losse of lustie yeeres complaine,
And wisht I had enjoy'd the countries peace;
 I bod the court farewell, and with content
 My later age here have I quiet spent.

14.
While thus he spake, Erminia husht and still
His wise discourses heard, with great attention,
His speeches graue those idle fancies kill,
Which in her troubled soule bred such dissention;
After much thought reformed was her will,
Within those woods to dwell was her intention,
 Till fortune should occasion new afford,
 To turne her home to her desired Lord.

15.
She said therefore, O shepherd fortunate
That troubles some didst whilom feele and proue,
Yet liuest now in this contented state,
Let my mishap thy thoughts to pitie moue,
To entertaine me as a willing mate
In shepherd's life, which I admire and loue;
 Within these pleasant groues perchance my hart,
 Of her discomforts, may vnload some part.