TESTO DEL LIED

"Young and simple though I am"
di Thomas Campion (1567-1620)

Young and simple though I am,
I have heard of Cupid's name;
Guess I can what thing it is
Men desire when they do kiss.
Smoke can never burn they say,
But the flames that follow may.
I am not so fond, so fair,
To be proud, or to despair;
Yet my lips have oft observ'd,
Men that kiss them press too hard,
As glad lovers use to do,
When their new met loves they woo.
Fain 'tis but a foolish mind,
Yet methinks a heat I find,
And thirsty longing that doth bide
Ever on the weaker side:
O I feel my heart doth move,
Venus grant it be not love.
If it be, alas, what then?
Were not women made for men?
As good it were a thing were past,
That must needs be done at last:
Roses that are overblown
Grow less sweet, and fall alone.
Yet no churl or silken gull
Shall my virgin blossom pull:
Who shall not, I soon can tell,
Who shall, would I could as well.
Yet I'm sure what ere he be,
Love he must, or flatter me.