Set me whereas the sun doth parch the green
Or where his beams may not dissolve the ice;
In temperate heat where he is felt and seen;
With proud people, in presence sad and wise;
Set me in low, or yet in high degree,
In the long night or in the shortest day,
In clear weather or where clouds thickest be,
In lusty youth, or when my hairs be grey.
Set me in earth, in heaven, or yet in hell;
In hill, or dale, or in the foaming flood;
Thrall or at large, alive whereso I dwell,
Sick or in health, in ill fame or in good:
Yours will I be, and with this only thought
Comfort myself when that my hope is nought.