If this be love

If this be love, to draw a weary breath,
To paint on floods, till the shore, cry to th’air,
With downward looks, still reading on the earth
The sad memorials of my love’s despair;

If this be love, to war against my soul,
Lie down to wail, rise up to sigh and grieve,
The never-resting stone of care to roll,
Still to complain my griefs whilst none relieve;

If this be love, to clothe me with dark thoughts,
Haunting untrodden paths to wail apart;
My pleasures horror, music tragic notes,
Tears in mine eyes and sorrow at my heart.

If this be love, to live a living death,
Then do I love and draw this weary breath.