Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONG: 36. THE BALLAD OF WILL, by THOMAS WYATT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONG: 36. THE BALLAD OF WILL, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I will and yet I may not
Last Line: Will willing is but vain.
Alternate Author Name(s): Wyat, Thomas
Subject(s): Love


I will and yet I may not,
The more it is my pain.
What thing I will, I shall not.
Wherefore my will is vain.

Will willing is in vain,
This may I right well see.
Although my will would fain,
My will it may not be.

Because I will and may not,
My will is not my own.
For lack of will I cannot,
The cause whereof I moan.

Foy! that I will and cannot
Yet still I do sustain!
Between 'I will' and 'shall not'
My love cannot obtain.

Thus wishers wants their will
And they that will do crave.
But they that will not will
Their will the soonest have.

Since that I will and shall not,
My will I will refrain.
Thus, for to will and will not,
Will willing is but vain.





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