Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey - Description Of The Restless State Of A Lover. lyrics

WHEN youth had led me half the race That Cupid's scourge had made me run ; I looked back to mete the place From whence my weary course begun. And then I saw how my desire By guiding ill had led the way : Mine eyen, to greedy of their hire, Had made me lose a better prey. For when in sighs I spent the day, And could not cloak my grief with game ; The boiling smoke did still bewray The present heat of secret flame. And when salt tears do bain my breast, Where Love his pleasant trains hath sown ; Her beauty hath the fruits opprest, Ere that the buds were sprung and blown. And when mine eyen did still pursue The flying chase of their request ; Their greedy looks did oft renew The hidden wound within my breast. When every look these cheeks might stain, From deadly pale to glowing red ; By outward signs appeared plain, To her for help my heart was fled. But all too late Love learneth me To paint all kind of colours new ; To blind their eyes that else should see My speckled cheeks with Cupid's hue. And now the covert breast I claim, That worshipp'd Cupid secretely ; And nourished his sacred flame, From whence no blazing sparks do fly.