XVI. Cupid and Campaspe. THIS elegant little sonnet is found in the third act of an old play, entitled, Alexander and Campaspe, written by John Lilye, a celebrated writer in the time of Queen Elizabeth, That play was first printed in 1591; but this copy is given from a later edition. CUPID and my Campaspe playd Growing on's cheek, (but none knows how,) O Love! has she done this to thee? XVII. The Lady turned Serving-Man, Is given from a written copy, containing some improvements (perhaps modern ones) upon the popular ballad, entitled, “The famous flower of Serving-men; or, the Lady turned Serving-man." You beauteous ladyes, great and small, I was by birth a lady faire, 5 And when my good old father dyed, Then I became a young knightes bride. And there my love built me a bower, And there I livde a ladye gay, 10 15 They came upon us in the night, And brent my bower, and slew my knight; And trembling hid in mans array, I scant with life escap'd away. In the midst of this extremitie, My servants all did from me flee: Yet though my heart was full of care, 20 25 And therewithall I cut my haire, 30 I travell❜d far through many a land. At length all wearied with my toil, My heart it was so fill'd with woe, 35 That downe my cheeke the teares did flow. It chanc'd the king of that same place 40 Then to his grace I did replye, I am a poore and friendlesse boye, Stand up, faire youth, the king reply'd, But tell me first what thou canst do; Wilt thou be usher of my hall, Or wilt be taster of my wine, To 'tend on me when I shall dine? About my person to remaine? Or wilt thou be one of my guard, Chuse, gentle youth, said he, thy place. 55 Your chamberlaine I faine would bee. 60 The king then smiling gave consent, Now marke what fortune did provide ; With all his lords and noble traine, Sweet William must at home remaine. Thus being left alone behind, My former state came in my mind: I wept to see my mans array: And meeting with a ladyes vest, 65 70 "And I myself a ladye gay, Bedeckt with gorgeous rich array ; VOL. III. K 85 |