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The Prohibition. |
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Take heed of loving mee, |
At least remember, I forbade it thee; |
Not that I shall repaire my'unthrifty wast |
Of Breath and Blood, upon thy sighes, and teares, |
By being to mee then that which thou wast; |
But, so great Joy, our life at once outweares, |
Then, least thy love, by my death, frustrate bee, |
If thou love mee, take heed of loving mee. |
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Take heed of hating mee, |
Or too much triumph in the Victorie. |
Not that I shall be mine owne officer, |
And hate with hate againe retaliate; |
But thou wilt lose the stile of conquerour, |
If I, thy conquest, perish by thy hate. |
Then, least my being nothing lessen thee, |
If thou hate mee, take heed of hating mee. |
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Yet, love and hate mee too, |
So, these extreames shall ne'r their office doe; |
Love mee, that I may die the gentler way; |
Hate mee, because thy love is too great for mee; |
Or let these two, themselves, not me decay; |
So shall I live thy stay, not triumph bee; |
Lest thou thy love and hate and mee undoe |
To let mee live, Oh love and hate mee too.
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[CW: The] |