I Would I Were Actaeon

SYSTEMI would I were Actaeon, whom Diana did disguise,

To walk the woods unknown whereas my lady lies;

A hart of pleasant hue I wish that I were so,

So that my lady knew alone me and no mo;

To follow thick and plain, by hill and dale alow,

To drink the water fain, and feed me with the sloe.

I would not fear the frost, to lie upon the ground,

Delight should quite the cost, what pain so that I found.

The shaling nuts and mast that falleth from the tree

Should serve for my repast, might I my lady see;

Sometime that I might say when I saw her alone,

"Behold thy slave, all day that walks these woods unknown!'