Sonet 81

William Alexander

Oft haue I vow'd of none t'attend releefe,
Whose ardour was not equall vnto mine,
And in whose face there did not clearely shine,
The very image of my inward greefe:
But so the dest'nies do my thoughts dispose,
I wot not what a fatall force ordaines,
That I abase my selfe to beare disdaines,
And honour one that ruines my repose.
Oft haue I vow'd no more to be orethrowne,
But still retaining my affections free,
To fancie none, but them that fancied me:
But now I see my will is not mine owne.
Then ah, may you bewitch my iudgement so,
That I must loue, although my heart say no!





Last updated January 14, 2019