"I saw my Lady weep"

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 both grieve and love.

O Fairer than aught else

The world can shew, leave off, in time, to grieve,

Enough, enough! Your joyful look excels;

Tears kill the heart, believe,

O strive not to be excellent in woe,

Which only breeds your beauty’s overthrow.