Whoso list to hunt, I know where is an hind, | |
But as for me, alas, I may no more: | |
The vain travail hath wearied me so sore. | |
I am of them that farthest cometh behind; | |
Yet may I by no means my wearied mind | 5 |
Draw from the deer: but as she fleeth afore, | |
Fainting I follow. I leave off therefore, | |
Since in a net I seek to hold the wind. | |
Who list her hunt, I put him out of doubt, | |
As well as I may spend his time in vain: | 10 |
And, graven with diamonds, in letters plain | |
There is written, her fair neck round about: | |
'Noli me tangere,' for Caesar's I am; | |
And wild for to hold, though I seem tame. | |