Classic Poem

I know, within my mouth, for bashful fear
And dread of your disdain, my words will die;
I know I shall be stricken dumb, my dear,
With doubt of your unpitiful reply.
I know, whenas I shall before you lie
Prostrate and humble, craving help of you,
Misty aspects will cloud your sun-bright eye,
And scornful looks o'ershade your beauty's hue.
I know, when I shall plead my love so true,
So stainless, constant, loyal, and upright,
My truthful pleadings will not cause you rue
The ne'er-heard state of my distressid plight.
I know, when I shall come with face bedight
With streaming tears, fall'n from my fountain eyes,
Breathing forth sighs of most heart-breaking might,
My tears, my sighs, and me, you will despise.
I know, when with the power that in me lies,
And all the prayers and vows that women move,
I shall in humblest mercy-moving wise
Intreat, beseech, desire, and beg your love,
I know, sweet maiden, all will not remove
Flint-hearted rigour from your rocky breast;
But all my means, my suit, and what I prove
Proves bad, and I must live in all unrest —
Dying in life, and living still in death,
And yet nor die, nor draw a life-like breath.