Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BALLADE: 27, by THOMAS WYATT



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BALLADE: 27, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When that I call unto my mind
Last Line: I ask but right for my redress.
Alternate Author Name(s): Wyat, Thomas
Subject(s): Faith; Hope; Wealth; Belief; Creed; Optimism; Riches; Fortunes


When that I call unto my mind
The time of hope that once I had,
The great abuse that did me blind
Doth force me always to be sad.
Yet of my grief I feign me glad;
But am assured I was too bold
To trust to such a slipper hold.

I thought it well that I had wrought,
Willing forthwith so to ensue;
But he that seeks as I have sought
Shall find most trust oft times untrue;
For least I recked that most I rue,
Of that I thought myself most sure
Is now the want of all my cure.

Amids my wealth I did not reck,
But soon, alas, ere that I wist,
The time was come that, all too weak,
I had no power for to resist;
Now am I proof to them that list
To flee such woe and wrongful pain,
As in my heart I do sustain.

For feigned faith is always free,
And doth incline to be unjust,
That sure I think there can none be
Too much assured without mistrust;
But hap what may to them that must
Sustain such cruel destiny,
With patience for remedy.

As I am one which by restraint
Abides the time of my return,
In hope that fortune by my plaint
Will slake the fire wherewith I burn;
Since no ways else may serve my turn:
Yet for the doubt of this distress,
I ask but right for my redress.





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