Disdain me still

Disdain me still, that I may ever love,
For who his love enjoys can love no more.
The war once past, with ease men cowards prove;
And ships returned do rot upon the shore.
And though thou frown, I’ll say thou art most fair;
And still I’ll love, though still I must despair.
Laugh at my woes, although I ever mourn,
Love surfeits with reward; his nurse is scorn.

As heat to life, so is desire to love,
And these once quenched, both life and love are gone.
Let not my sighs nor tears thy virtue move;
Like baser metals, do not melt too soon.
Laugh at my woes, although I ever mourn;
Love surfeits with reward; his nurse is scorn.