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BALLADE: 13, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The knot which first my heart did strain
Last Line: Hath last too long.
Alternate Author Name(s): Wyat, Thomas
Subject(s): Longing


The knot which first my heart did strain,
When that your servant I became,
Doth bind me still for to remain
Always your own, as now I am.
And if ye find that I do feign,
With just judgment myself I damn
To have disdain.

If other thought in me do grow
But still to love you steadfastly,
If that the proof do not well show
That I am yours assuredly,
Let every wealth turn me to woe,
And you to be continually
My chiefest foe.

If other love or new request
Do ease my heart, but only this,
Or if within my wearied breast
Be hid one thought that mean amiss,
I do desire that mine unrest
May still increase, and I to miss
That I love best.

If in my love there be one spot
Of false deceit or doubleness,
Or if I mind to slip this knot
By want of faith or steadfastness,
Let all my service be forgot,
And when I would have chief redress
Esteem me not.

But if that I consume in pain
Of burning sighs and fervent love,
And daily seek none other gain
But with my deed these words to prove,
Methink of right I should obtain
That ye would mind for to remove
Your great disdain.

And for the end of this my song
Unto your hands I do submit
My deadly grief and pains so strong,
Which in my heart be firmly shut.
And when ye list, redress my wrong,
Since well ye know this painful fit
Hath last too long.





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