University Microfilms International - Arizona Campus Repository

IS
imploring him to "chirp on. 11
One of the authors is identified by name,
two by initials, and one by a pseudonym. Tofte gives an "Answer" to
each of the commendatory poems and is careful to praise the critical
acumen of those who have seen merit in his "sad verses."
The text of Alba contains ninety-seven four-stanza poems arranged
in the manner of Petrarch's Canzoniere; each poem develops a "unique"
aspect of the lover's enchantment with the beloved, his determination
to love her, the lady's cruelty, or her unrivaled beauty. The following
peom from the collection illustrates Tofte's concept of Petrarchanism
and shows the excesses to which he was liable:
ALBA I have not lived over long,
Yet have I hollow eyes, and haires halfe gray:
My yeares not many, for I am but yong,
Though wrinkled be my cheekes and lims decay.
But is this Destnie, or ist pure Deceit?
That hath on me (thus) wrought this cunning feat?
Ift be the first, why then none could prevent
My wretched Stars to scape this miserie?
Ift be the latter that such ill me ment,
I needes must think it was mine Enemie:
It was (indeed), thy selfe it was (Faire Witch)
That with thy beautie wrought me to be sich.
Thou art too Faire (I see) for to be true,
And too too False for one that is so Faire:
Yet for my wrongs thou seemest not to rue,
Nor for my crosses ought at All dost care:
And yet my Love's more fervent still towards thee,
My sparks growne flames, my cinders bonfires bee.
Only I grieve my daies are at an end,
Fore I can of thee any favour gaine:
And which is worse, I likely am to spend
All the Remainder, yet no grace obtaine.
Unhappie Pilgrim I, borne still to evill,
To shrine her for a Saint, who is a Devill.
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