Song (Love a child is ever crying)

Song (Love a child is ever crying) Poem Text

Song: Love, a child, is ever crying (c. 1620)

Love, a child, is ever crying;

Please him, and he straight is flying;

Give him, he the more is craving,

Never satisfied with having.

His desires have no measure;

Endless folly is his treasure;

What he promiseth he breaketh;

Trust not one word that he speaketh.

He vows nothing but false matter;

And to cozen you will flatter;

Let him gain the hand, he'll leave you

And still glory to deceive you.

He will triumph in your wailing;

And yet cause be of your failing:

These his virtues are, and slighter

Are his gifts, his favours lighter.

Feathers are as firm in staying;

Wolves no fiercer in their preying;

As a child then, leave him crying;

Nor seek him so given to flying.

- Lady Mary Wroth

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