I Saw My Lady Weepe

I saw my lady weep,

And Sorrow proud to be advanced so,

In those fair eyes where all perfections keep.

Her face was full of woe,

But such a woe (believe me) as wins more hearts,

Than Mirth can do with her enticing parts.

Sorrow was there made fair,

And Passion wise, tears a delightful thing,

Silence beyond all speech a wisdom rare.

She made her sighs to sing,

And all things with so sweet a sadness move,

As made my heart at once both grieve and love.

O fairer than aught else

The world can show, leave off in time to grieve.

Enough, enough, your joyful looks excels.

Tears kill the heart, believe;

O strive not to be excellent in woe,

Which only breeds your beauty's overthrow.