I would fain die a dry death.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): The Tempest. Act i. Sc. 1.

Fain would I, but I dare not; I dare, and yet I may not;

I may, although I care not, for pleasure when I play not.

Sir Walter Raleigh (1552-1618): Fain Would I.

Fain would I climb, yet fear I to fall.