Thomas Wyatt: Whoso list to hunt, I know where is an hind

Whoso list to hunt
Whoso list to hunt, I know where is an hind,
But as for me, hélas, I may no more.
The vain travail hath wearied me so sore,
I am of them that farthest cometh behind.
Yet may I by no means my wearied mind
Draw from the deer, but as she fleeth afore
Fainting I follow. I leave off therefore,
Sithens in a net I seek to hold the wind.
Who list her hunt, I put him out of doubt,
As well as I may spend his time in vain.
And graven with diamonds in letters plain
There is written, her fair neck round about:
Noli me tangere, for Caesar’s I am,
And wild for to hold, though I seem tame.
Thomas Wyatt
(1503 – 1542)
Whoso list to hunt,
I know where is an hind
• fleursdumal.nl magazine
More in: # Classic Poetry Archive, Archive W-X, Archive W-X, History of Britain

