To Emilia Viviani

Madonna, wherefore hast thou sent to me Sweet-basil and mignonette? Embleming love and health, which never yet In the same wreath might be. Alas, and they are wet! Is it with thy kisses or thy tears? For never rain or dew Such fragrance drew From plant or flower--the very doubt endears My sadness ever new, The sighs I breathe, the tears I shed for thee.

Send the stars light, but send not love to me, In whom love ever made Health like a heap of embers soon to fade--