First Song

Doubt you to whom my Muse these notes intendeth,

Which now my breast o'ercharged to music lendeth?

To you, to you, all song of praise is due:

Only in you my song begins and endeth.

Who hath the eyes which marry state with pleasure?

Who keeps the key of Nature's chiefest treasure?

To you, to you, all song of praise is due:

Only for you the heav'n forgat all measure.

Who hath the breast, whose milk doth passions nourish?

Whose grace is such, that when it chides doth cherish?

To you, to you, all song of praise is due:

Only through you the tree of life doth flourish.