Then, even of fellowship, O Moon, tell me,

Is constant love deem'd there but want of wit?
Are beauties there as proud as here they be?

Do they above love to be lov'd, and yet

Those lovers scorn whom that love doth possess?

Do they call virtue there ungratefulness?

INVOCATION TO SLEEP.

BY SIR PHILIP SIDNEY.

COME, Sleep, O Sleep, the certain knot of peace,
The baiting place of wit, the balm of woe,
The poor man's wealth, the prisoner's release,
The indifferent judge between the high and low,
With shield of proof shield me from out the prease
Of those fierce darts, Despair at me doth throw ;
O make in me those civil wars to cease:

I will good tribute pay, if thou do so.

Take thou of me smooth pillows, sweetest bed;
A chamber, deaf to noise, and blind to light;
A rosy garland, and a weary head.
And if these things, as being thine by right,
Move not thy heavy grace, thou shalt in me
Livelier than elsewhere Stella's image see.

[From BYRD's songs, &c. about the year 1588. Little is known of this writer.]

My mind to me a kingdom is,

Such perfect joy therein I find,

That it excels all other bliss

That God or nature hath assign'd:

Though much I want that most would have,

Yet still my mind forbids to crave.

No princely port, nor wealthy store,

Nor force to win a victory;

No wily wit to salve a sore,

No shape to win a loving eye;
To none of these I yield as thrall,
For why, my mind despise them all.

MY MIND TO ME."

65

I see that plenty surfeits oft,

And hasty climbers soonest fall;

I see that such as are aloft,

Mishap doth threaten most of all; These get with toil, and keep with fear: Such cares my mind can never bear.

I press to bear no haughty sway;

I wish no more than may suffice;

I do no more than well I may,

Look what I want, my mind supplies;

Lo, thus I triumph like a king,

My mind's content with anything.

I laugh not at another's loss,

Nor grudge not at another's gain; No worldly waves my mind can toss; I brook that is another's bane;

I fear no foe, nor fawn on friend;

I loathe not life, nor dread mine end.

My wealth is health and perfect ease,
And conscience clear my chief defence;

I never seek by bribes to please,

Nor by desert to give offence;

Thus do I live, thus will I die;

Would all do so as well as I!

K