T Wyatt read by Classic Poetry Aloud:

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Giving voice to the poetry of the past.

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I am as I am

by Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503 – 1542)

I am as I am and so will I be

But how that I am none knoweth truly,

Be it evil be it well, be I bond be I free

I am as I am and so will I be.

I lead my life indifferently,

I mean nothing but honestly,

And though folks judge diversely,

I am as I am and so will I die.

I do not rejoice nor yet complain,

Both mirth and sadness I do refrain,

And use the mean since folks will fain

Yet I am as I am be it pleasure or pain.

Divers do judge as they do true,

Some of pleasure and some of woe,

Yet for all that no thing they know,

But I am as I am wheresoever I go.

But since judgers do thus decay,

Let every man his judgement say:

I will it take in sport and play,

For I am as I am who so ever say nay.

Who judgeth well, well God him send;

Who judgeth evil, God them amend;

To judge the best therefore intend,

For I am as I am and so will I end.

Yet some that be that take delight

To judge folks thought for envy and spite,

But whether they judge me wrong or right,

I am as I am and so do I write.

Praying you all that this do read,

To trust it as you do your creed,

And not to think I change my weed,

For I am as I am however I speed.

But how that is I leave to you;

Judge as ye list, false or true;

Ye know no more than afore ye knew;

Yet I am as I am whatever ensue.

And from this mind I will not flee,

But to you all that misjudge me,

I do protest as ye may see,

That I am as I am and so will I be.

First aired: 18 February 2008

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