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

17. Loue is a bable.

                      1 
       Loue is a bable,
              No man is able,
       To say tis this or ' tis that,
              Tis full of passions,
              Of sundry fashions,
       Tis like I cannot tell what.

                      2 
       Loues fayre i'th Cradle,
              Foule in the sable,
       Tis eyther too cold or too hot,
              An arrand lyar,
              Fed by desire,
       It is, and yet it is not.

                      3 
       Loue is a fellowe,
              Clad oft in yellowe,
       The canker-worme of the mind,
              A priuie mischiefe,
              And such a slye thiefe,
       No man knowes which waie to find.

                      4 
       Loue is a woonder,
              That's here and yonder,
       As common to one as to moe,
              A monstrous cheater,
              Euerie mans debter,
       Hang him, and so let him goe.