Sir Thomas Wyatt. "The heart and service to you proffer'd."

THE LOVER SUETH THAT HIS SERVICE

MAY BE ACCEPTED.

HE heart and service to you proffer'd
With right good will full honestly,
Refuse it not since it is offer'd,
But take it to you gentlely.
And though it be a small present,
Yet good, consider graciously,
The thought, the mind, and the intent
Of him that loves you faithfully.
It were a thing of small effect
To work my woe thus cruelly ;
For my good will to be object,
Therefore accept it lovingly.
Pain or travail ; to run, or ride,
I undertake it pleasantly ;
Bid ye me go and straight I glide,
At your commandement humbly.
Pain or pleasure now may you plant,
Even which it please you steadfastly ;
Do which you list, I shall not want
To be your servant secretly.
And since so much I do desire,
To be your own assuredly ;
For all my service, and my hire
Reward your servant liberally.

Source:
Yeowell, James, Ed. The Poetical Works of Sir Thomas Wyatt.
London: George Bell and Sons, 1904. 104-105.

to the Works of Sir Thomas Wyatt