1 How careful was I, when I took my way, 2 Each trifle under truest bars to thrust, 3 That to my use it might unused stay 4 From hands of falsehood, in sure wards of trust! 5 But thou, to whom my jewels trifles are, 6 Most worthy comfort, now my greatest grief, 7 Thou, best of dearest and mine only care, 8 Art left the prey of every vulgar thief. 9 Thee have I not lock'd up in any chest, 10 Save where thou art not, though I feel thou art, 11 Within the gentle closure of my breast, 12 From whence at pleasure thou mayst come and part; 13 And even thence thou wilt be stol'n, I fear, 14 For truth proves thievish for a prize so dear.
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"Thou, best of dearest and mine only care,
Art left the prey of every vulgar thief." |