Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford Quotes

A valiant mind no deadly danger fears;

My mind to me a kingdom is;
Such perfect joy therein I find
That it excels all other bliss
That world affords or grows by kind.
Though much I want which most men have,
Yet still my mind forbids to crave.

If women could be fair and yet not fond,
Or that their love were firm, not fickle still,
I would not marvel that they make men bond
By service long to purchase their good will;
But when I see how frail those creatures are,
I laugh that men forget themselves so far.

So I the pleasant grape have pulled from the vine,
And yet I languish in great thirst, while others drink the wine.