EAch beast in field doth wish the morning light. The birds to Hesper pleasant Lays do sing. The wanton kids, well fed, rejoice in night; Being likewise glad when day begins to spring. But night, nor day, are welcome unto me: Both can bear witness of my lamentation. All day, sad sighing Corin you shall see; All night he spends in tears and exclamation. Thus still I live, although I take no rest; But living look as one that is a dying: Thus my sad soul, with care and grief opprest, Seems as a ghost to Styx and Lethe flying. Thus hath fond love bereft my youthful years Of all good hap, before old age appears.
SONNET XXXVIII.
THat day wherein mine eyes cannot her see, Which is the essence of their crystal sight; Both blind, obscure, and dim that day they be, And are debarrèd of fair heaven's light. That day wherein mine ears do want to hear her; Hearing, that day, is from me quite bereft. That day wherein to touch I come not near her; That day no sense of touching I have left. That day wherein I lack the fragrant smell, Which from her pleasant amber breath proceedeth; Smelling, that day, disdains with me to dwell. Only weak hope, my pining carcase feedeth. But burst, poor heart! Thou hast no better hope, Since all thy senses have no further scope.
SONNET XXXIX.
THe stately lion and the furious bear, The skill of man doth alter from their kind; For where before they wild and savage were, By Art, both tame and meek you shall them find. The elephant, although a mighty beast, A man may rule according to his skill. The lusty horse obeyeth our behest, For with the curb, you may him guide at will. Although the flint most hard contains the fire, By force we do his virtue soon obtain: For with a steel you shall have your desire. Thus man may all things by industry gain. Only a woman, if she list not love; No art, nor force, can unto pity move!