Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONG: 13, by THOMAS WYATT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONG: 13, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I have sought long with steadfastness
Last Line: But as who sayeth, I reck not how.
Alternate Author Name(s): Wyat, Thomas
Variant Title(s): Egerton Manuscript: 69
Subject(s): Cruelty; Hearts; Love


I have sought long with steadfastness
To have had some ease of my great smart;
But naught availeth faithfulness
To grave within your stony heart.

But hap and hit, or else hit not,
As uncertain as is the wind,
Right so it fareth by the shot
Of love, alas, that is so blind.

Therefore I played the fool in vain,
With pity, when I first began,
Your cruel heart for to constrain,
Since love regardeth no doleful man.

But, of your goodness, all your mind
Is that I should complain in vain.
This is the favor that I find,
Ye list to hear how I can plain.

But though I plain to please your heart,
Trust me, I trust to temper it so,
Not for to care which do revert;
All shall be one in wealth or woe.

For fancy ruleth, though right say nay,
Even as the goodman kissed his cow;
None other reason can ye lay
But as who sayeth, I reck not how.





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