For the Fourteenth of February.
No popular respect will I omit1
To do thee honour on this happy day,2
When every loyal lover tasks his wit3
His simple truth in studious rhymes to pay,4
And to his mistress dear his hopes convey,5
Rather, thou knowest, I would still outrun6
All calendars, with Love’s—whose date alway7
Thy bright eyes govern better than the sun,—8
For with thy favour was my life begun ;9
And still I reckon on from smiles to smiles,10
And not by summers, for I thrive on none11
But those thy cheerful countenance compiles—12
Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine,13
Love, thou very day my Valentine !14