The Mask

What have I dared to claim That you should thus deny? If I have used your name My songs to beautify Mine is the greater fame. And I have ever sought But to proclaim your praise, I have regarded naught When wandering by your ways But truth, my only thought. What favour did I ask That might constrain your heart Or heavier make your task? But now that you depart Wearing a dreadful mask. And those accusing eyes As still as death and cold Making my soul surmise My song grown overbold And all my words unwise— Now is my claim from thence That you should hear your heart’s Pleading in my defence Before your praise departs And all your grace goes hence.