SONG: 82 by THOMAS WYATT

Once in your grace I know I was,
Even as well as now is he.
Though Fortune so hath turned my case
That I am down and he full high,
Yet once I was.

Once I was he that did you please
So well that nothing did I doubt;
And though that now ye think it ease
To take him in and throw me out,
Yet once I was.

Once I was he in times past
That as your own ye did retain;
And though ye have me now outcast,
Showing untruth in you to reign,
Yet once I was.

Once I was he that knit the knot
The which ye swore not to unknit;
And though ye feign it now forgot
In using your new-fangled wit,
Yet once I was.

Once I was he to whom ye said,
'Welcome, my joy, my whole delight';
And though ye are now well apaid
Of me, your own, to claim ye quit,
Yet once I was.

Once I was he to whom ye spake,
'Have here my heart. It is thine own';
And though these words ye now forsake,
Saying thereof my part is none,
Yet once I was.

Once I was he before rehearst
And now am he that needs must die;
And though I die, yet at the least
In your remembrance let it lie
That once I was.

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

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