Thomas Wyatt

Stand Whoso List

Stand whoso list upon the slipper top
   Of court’s estates, and let me here rejoice;
And use me quiet without let or stop,
   Unknown in court, that hath such brackish joys:
      In hidden place, so let my days forth pass,
   That when my years be done, withouten noise,
      I may die agèd after the common trace,
For him death gripeth right hard by the crope
   That is much known of other; and of himself alas,
   Doth die unknown, dazed with dreadful face.