I speak, fair Licia, what my torments be; But then my speech too partial do I find: For hardly words can with those thoughts agree: Those thoughts that swarm in such a troubled mind. Then do I vow my tongue shall never speak, Nor tell my grief that in my heart doth lie: But, cannon-like, I, then surcharged, do break. And so my silence worse than speech I try. Thus speech, or none, they both do breed my care: I live dismayed and kill my heart with grief. In all respects my case alike doth fare. To him that wants; and dares not ask relief. Then you, fair Licia, Sovereign of my heart, Read to yourself my anguish and my smart!
SONNET XXXVII.
SWeet, I protest, and seal it with an oath, I never saw that so my thoughts did please: And yet content, displeased I see them wroth To love so much, and cannot have their ease. I told my thoughts, "My Sovereign made a pause: Disposed to grant, but willing to delay." They then repined, for that they knew no cause; And swore they wished She flatly would say "Nay." Thus hath my love, my thoughts with treason filled; And 'gainst my Sovereign taught them to repine: So thus my treason, all my thoughts hath killed; And made fair Licia say, She is not mine. But thoughts too rash, my heart doth now repent: And, as you please, they swear they are content.
SONNET XXXVIII.
FAir matchless Nymph, respect but what I crave? My thoughts are true, and honour is my love. I fainting die, whom yet a smile might save. You gave the wound, and can the hurt remove. Those eyes, like stars that twinkle in the night; And cheeks, like rubies pale in lilies dyed; Those ebon [ivory] hands that darting have such might: That in my soul, my love and life divide. Accept the Passions of a man possesst! Let love be loved, and grant me leave to live! Disperse those clouds that darkened have my rest; And let your heaven, a sun-like smile but give! Then shall I praise that heaven for such a sun; That saved my life, when as my grief begun.