Disdain Returned

He that loves a rosy cheek,

       Or a coral lip admires,

   Or from star-like eyes doth seek

       Fuel to maintain his fires;

   As old Time makes these decay,

   So his flames must waste away.

   But a smooth and steadfast mind,

       Gentle thoughts and calm desires,

   Hearts with equal love combin'd,

      Kindle never-dying fires.

  Where these are not, I despise

  Lovely cheeks, or lips, or eyes.

  No tears, Celia, now shall win

      My resolv'd heart to return;

  I have search'd thy soul within,

      And find nought, but pride, and scorn;

  I have learn'd thy arts, and now

  Can disdain as much as thou.

  Some power, in my revenge, convey

  That love to her I cast away.

NOTES

Form:

ababcc

1.

The first two stanzas were first published in

W. Porter's Madrigals and Airs, 632.