THE   SECOND
B O O K E   O F   S O N G S
AND  AYRES

R o b e r t   I o n e s

1601

13. Once did I loue.

                      1 
       Once did I loue where now I haue no liking,
           Like can I not for shee was neuer louing.
       Once did I proue but then put by my striking,
           Strike nill I now though shee were euer prouing,
               To proue or strike it now rests at my will,
               To make me loue or like tis past her skill.

                      2 
       Rest in vnrest, was once my chiefest pleasure,
           Please will I now my selfe in her disquiet, 
       Bad for the best I chose at wanton leasure,
           Ease bids me now to brooke a better dyet,
               Rich in content I rest to see her plaining,
               Whose best at best is bad, not worth the gaining.