Poetry Archives

I would that love were subject unto law!
 Upon his person I should lay distraint
 And force him thus to answer my complaint,
Which I, in well-considered counts, should draw.
Not free to fly, he needs must seek some flaw
 To mar my pleading, though his heart were faint;
 Declare his counsel to me, and acquaint
Himself with maxim, precedent, and saw.

Ah, I could win him with authorities,
 If suing thus in such a sober court;
 Could read him many an ancient rhym’d report
Of such sad cases, tears would fill his eyes
 And he confess a judgment, or resort
To some well-pleasing terms of compromise!