Lope de Vega

“ Love, fond wife, in hope, in joy, despondency,
Or bitter grief, whatever ills befall, I'm arm'd.
Thus as I press thee trembling to my heart,
In absence still, in fancied presence thou;
If those dear eyes rain tears at fortune's frowns,
Crosses or evil tidings touch of woe;
Oh, kill me not by weeping now, sweet wife!
If thou desirest death, my love, one sword,
One blow, shall give our hearts' blood to the earth!
Those who now seek our lives may slay; but still
Our souls shall live unparted after death! ”

“ The coward should most careful counsel know;
The brave and reckless can in useless broils show,
Keeping stern, wrinkled Justice all agog,
The city full of shouts and brawls.
I love you more than all my other loves;
And as each hen doth wisely guard her nest,
So mine's well fill'd with jewels of the best.
The cocks may strut, and crow, and fight;
Who cares? And shall I kill my loving knight,
By slipping steel 'neath doublet to his heart? ”

“ At last we're 'neath the orchard wall!
Marin. My love and duty found me wings;
Am I not watchful ever to defend thee,
Should aught of danger or mishap surprise?
He who of little value holds his life,
Hath naught to fear in love or strife. ”