Lord of my love, to whom in vassalage
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Thy merit hath my duty strongly knit,
To thee I send this written ambassage
To witness duty, not to show my wit;
Duty so great, which wit so poor as mine
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May make seem bare, in wanting words to show it,
But that I hope some good conceit of thine
In thy soul's thought, all naked, will bestow it;
Till whatsoever star that guides my moving
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Points on me graciously with fair aspect,
And puts apparel on my tottered loving
To show me worthy of thy sweet respect:
Then may I dare to boast how I do love thee;
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Till then not show my head where thou mayst prove me.