Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG: 50 by THOMAS WYATT

Poet Analysis

First Line: YE KNOW MY HEART, MY LADY DEAR
Last Line: UNTO YOUR OWN THAT LOVETH YOU SO?
Subject(s): LOVE - COMPLAINTS;

Ye know my heart, my lady dear,
That since the time I was your thrall
I have been yours both whole and clear,
Though my reward hath been but small:
So am I yet and more than all,
And ye know well how I have served;
As if ye prove it shall appear
How well, how long,
How faithfully,
And suffered wrong
How patiently!
Then since that I have never swerved,
Let not my pains be undeserved.

Ye know also, though ye say nay,
That you alone are my desire;
And you alone it is that may
Assuage my fervent flaming fire;
Succor me then I you require.
Ye know it were a just request,
Since ye do cause my heat, I say,
If that I burn,
That ye will warm,
And not to turn
All to my harm,
Sending such flame from frozen breast
Against all right for my unrest.

And I know well how frowardly
Ye have mistaken my true intent
And hitherto how wrongfully
I have found cause for to repent.
But death shall rid me readily
If your hard heart do not relent;
And I know well all this ye know,
That I and mine
And all I have
Ye may assign
To spill or save.
Why are ye then so cruel foe,
Unto your own that loveth you so?



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