I do but ask that you be always fair br That I forever may continue kind; br Knowing me what I am, you should not dare br To lapse from beauty ever, nor seek to bind br My alterable mood with lesser cords; br Weeping and such soft matters must invite br To further vagrancy; and bitter words br Chafe soon to irremediable flight, br Wherefore I pray you if you love me dearly, br Less dear to hold me than your own bright charms, br Whence it may fall that until death, or nearly, br I shall not move to struggle from your arms: br Fade if you must,--I would but bid you be br Like the sweet year, doing all things graciously.