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Mary Wroth's Poetry: An Electronic Edition
Wroth Poems (all side-by-side)
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s̸ Pamphilia to Amphilanthus s̸
.I.
When nights black mantle could most darknes proue,
and sleepe deaths Image did my ſenceſes hiere
from knowledg of my ſelf, then thoughts did moue
ſwifter then thoſe most ſwiftnes need require:
In sleepe, a Chariot drawne by wing'd deſire
I ſawe: wher ſate bright Venus Queene of loue,
and att her feete her ſonne, still adding fire
to burning hearts wch she did hold aboue,
Butt one hart flaming more then all the rest
the goddeſs held, and putt itt to my brest
deare ſonne, now shute ſayd she: thus must wee win̅
Hee her obay'd, and martir'd my poore hart,
I, waking hop'd as dreames itt would depart
yett ſince: O mee: a lover haue I bin̅ s̸
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1.
When night's black mantle could most darkness prove,
And sleep, death's image, did my senses hire*
From knowledge of myself, then thoughts did move
Swifter than those most swiftness need require:
In sleep, a chariot drawn by winged desire
I saw, where sat bright Venus, Queen of love,
And at her feet her son, still adding fire
To burning hearts, which she did hold above.
But one heart flaming more than all the rest
The Goddess held, and put it to my breast.
'Dear son, now shoot,' said she, 'thus must we win.'
He her obeyed, and martyred my poor heart.
I waking hoped as dreams it would depart;
Yet since, O me, a lover I have been.
In the Folger manuscript, the sonnets begin by being 'named' as 'Pamphilia to Amphilanthus', but, as discussed in the textual introduction, they are frequently signed and separated by Mary Wroth's abbreviated signature: the S fermé, which confirms her identity as a Sidney (rather than a Wroth). In P, where the sonnet sequence is also headed 'Pamphilia to Amphilanthus', the S fermé no longer appears, which might reinforce the sense that the sonnets are 'by' Pamphilia - although of course Pamphilia is also a version of Wroth herself. The sonnets are placed on a new page after the printed romance ends in mid sentence (in imitation, most probably) of the 1590 revised Arcadia.
The first sonnet in both F and P differs considerably from the opening sonnets in Philip and Robert Sidney's sonnet sequences. (Philip Sidney's sonnet sequence 'Astrophil and Stella', henceforth "AS", and Robert Sidney's sonnet sequence 'Rosis and Lysa', henceforth "RS"). The depiction of Venus and Cupid, who are also present as characters in Wroth's pastoral play Love's Victory, sets up Wroth's theme of the speaker as a martyr for love, tortured by her desire. This kind of dramatisation is present in other sonnet sequences and probably derives from Petrarch. In AS, sonnet 20 describes Astrophil's heart being pierced by Cupid's dart.
hire: ie sleep hires (employs) her senses away from knowledge of herself.
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[transcription note: next 2 lines same size font]
PAMPHILIA,
TO
AMPHILANTHVS.
I
When night's blacke Mantle could moſt darkneſſe proue,
And ſleepe (deaths Image) did my ſenſes hyre,
From Knowledge of my ſelfe, then thoughts did moue
Swifter then thoſe, most switneſſe neede require?
In ſleepe, a Chariot drawne by wing'd Deſire,
I ſaw; where ſate bright Venus Queene of Loue,
And at her feete her Sonne, ſtill adding Fire
To burning hearts, which ſhe did hold aboue,
But one heart flaming more then all the reſt,
The Goddeſſe held, and put it to my breaſt,
Deare Sonne now ſhut, ſaid ſhe, thus muſt we winne;
He her obeyd, and martyr'd my poore heart.
I waking hop'd as dreames it would depart,
Yet ſince, O me, a Lover I haue beene.
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1.
When night's black mantle could most darkness prove,
And sleep, death's image, did my senses* hire
From knowledge of myself, then thoughts did move
Swifter than those most swiftness* need require:
In sleep, a chariot drawn by winged desire
I saw, where sat bright Venus, Queen of love,
And at her feet her son, still adding fire
To burning hearts, which she did hold above.
But one heart flaming more than all the rest
The Goddess held, and put it to my breast.
'Dear son, now shoot,' said she, 'thus must we win.'
He her obeyed, and martyred my poor heart.
I waking hoped as dreams it would depart;
Yet since, O me, a lover have I* been.
senses: the first of Wroth's corrections as she revised F for P: corrected from 'senceses'.
P swiftness: reads 'switness', an example of a corruption probably created by the compositor (early modern typesetter).
have I: changed from 'I have': could be authorial or a compositor's mistake.
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.2.
Deare eyes how well (indeed) you doe adorne
that bleſsed spheere, wch gazing eyes hold deere:
the loued place of Cupids for triumph's neere:
the court of glory, wher his force was borne:
How may they terme you Aprills ſweetest morne
when pleaſing looks, from thoſe bright lights apeere:
A ſun=shine day; from clouds, and mists still cleere
kind nurſing fires for wishes yett vnborne!
Too starres of Heauen, ſent downe to grace the Earthe,
plac'd in that throne wch giues all ioyes theyr birthe!
shining, and burning; pleaſing yett theyr charmes;
Wch wounding, yett in hurts are deem'd delights,
ſoe pleaſant is ther force! Soe great theyr mights
As, happy, they can triumph in theyr harmes s̸
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2.
Dear eyes,* how well, indeed, you do adorn
That blessed sphere which gazing eyes hold dear,
The loved place of Cupid's* triumphs near,
The court of glory, where his* force was not borne,
How may they term you April's sweetest morn
When pleasing looks from those bright lights appear
A sunshine day, from clouds and mists still clear
Kind nursing fires for wishes yet unborn.
Two stars of Heaven sent down to grace the earth,
Placed in that throne which gives all joys their birth,
Shining and burning, pleasing, yet their charms
Which wounding, yet* in hurts are deemed delights,
So pleasant is their force, so great their mights
As, happy, they can triumph in their harms.
eyes: = 'souls' in P; the imagery of eyes begins Wroth's reworking (from a female perspective) of what we might call the male gaze in the traditional sonnet. In both AS and RS eyes and stars (which in AS stand for Stella, Astrophil's object of desire) feature prominently. For example, this is the opening quatrain of the first sonnet in AS:
You purest stars, whose never-dying fires
Deck heavenly spheres and rule the world below,
Grudge not if I in your clear beauties know
The fair maid's eyes, the stars of my desires.
'Cupid's' = 'sought for' in P.
'his' = 'Love's' in P.
'yet' = 'even' in P.
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2
Deare eyes how well indeed, you doe adorne
(cause by larger first letter in the line above]That bleſſed Sphere, which gazing ſoules hold deare?
The loued place of ſought for triumphs, neere
The Court of Glory, where Loues force was borne.
How may they terme you Aprills ſweeteſt morne?
When pleaſing lookes, from thoſe bright lights appeare
A Sunne-ſhine day, from clowdes, and miſts still cleare:
Kinde nurſing fires for wiſhes yet vnborne.
Two Starres of Heauen ſent downe to grace the Earth,
Plac'd in that Throne which giues all ioyes their birth,
Shining, and burning; pleaſing yet their Charmes:
Which wounding euen in hurts are deem'd delights;
So pleaſant is their force, ſo great their mights,
As happy they can tryumph in their harmes.
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2.
Dear eyes, how well, indeed, you do adorn
That blessed sphere which gazing souls* hold dear,
The loved place of sought for* triumphs near,
The court of glory, where Love's* force was not borne,
How may they term you April's sweetest morn
When pleasing looks from those bright lights appear
A sunshine day, from clouds and mists still clear
Kind nursing fires for wishes yet unborn.
Too stars of Heaven sent down to grace the earth,
Placed in that throne which gives all joys their birth,
Shining and burning, pleasing, yet their charms
Which wounding, even* in hurts are deemed delights,
So pleasant is their force, so great their mights
As, happy, they can triumph in their harms.
souls: changed from F's 'eyes'; possibly authorial to avoid the repetition, but the result is awkward.
sought for: changed from F's 'Cupid's'.
Love's : changed from F's 'his', which completes the shift from Cupid to the less specific Love.
even: changed from F's 'yet'.
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.3.
Yett is ther hope: Then Loue butt play thy part
remember well thy ſelf, and think on mee;
shine in thoſe eyes wch conquer'd haue my hart?
and ſee if mine bee slack to anſwere thee,
Lodg in that brest, and pitty moue for thee?*
for flames wch in mine burne in truest ſmart
exiling thoughts that touch inconstancie,
or thoſe wch waste nott in the constant art,
Watch butt my sleepe; if I take any rest.
for thought of you, my spiritt ſoe distrest
as pale, and famish'd, I, for mercy cry?
Will you yor ſeruant leave? think butt on this:
who weares loues crowne, must nott doe ſoe amiſs,
but ſeeke theyr good, who on thy force rely: s̸
note: words obscured
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3.
Yet is there hope. Then love but play thy part;
Remember well thyself and think on me,
Shine in those eyes* which conquered have my heart,
And see if mine be slack to answer thee.
Lodge in that breast and, pity move to be*
For flames which in mine burn in truest smart,
Exiling thoughts that touch inconstancy,*
Or those which waste not in the constant art.
Watch but my sleep, if I take any rest
For thought of you, my spirit so distressed
As, pale and famished, I for mercy cry.
Will not your servant leave? Think but on this:
Who wears love's crown must not do so amiss,
But seek their god who on thy force rely.*
eyes: In AS 12 Cupid 'shin'st in Stella's eyes'.
'move to be' = 'moving see' in P.
Inconstancy: throughout "Pamphilia to Amphilanthus" and Urania inconstancy is a theme, especially as centred on the inconstant hero Amphilanthus (whose name means lover of many), compared to Pamphilia (whose name which means lover of one).
'rely' = 'do lie' in P.
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3
Yet is there hope, then Loue but play thy part;
Remember well thy ſelfe, and thinke on me;
Shine in thoſe eyes which conquer'd haue my heart,
And ſee if mine, be ſlacke to anſwer thee.
Lodge in that breaſt, and pitty moouing ſee,
For flames which in mine burne in trueſt ſmart,
Exciling thoughts, that touch Inconſtancy,
Or thoſe which waſte not in the conſtant Art.
Watch but my ſleepe, if I take any reſt,
For thought of you, my ſpirit so diſtreſt,
As pale and famiſh'd, I for mercy cry.
Will you your ſeruant leave? thinke but on this,
Who weares Loue's Crowne, muſt not doe ſo amiſſe
But ſeeke their good, who on thy force doe lye.
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3.
Yet is there hope. Then love but play thy part;
Remember well thyself and think on me,
Shine in those eyes which conquered have my heart,
And see if mine be slack to answer thee.
Lodge in that breast and, pity moving see*
For flames which in mine burn in truest smart,
Exiling thoughts that touch inconstancy,
Or those which waste not in the constant art.
Watch but my sleep, if I take any rest
For thought of you, my spirit so distressed
As, pale and famished, I for mercy cry.
Will not your servant leave? Think but on this:
Who wears love's crown must not do so amiss,
But seek their god who on thy force do lie.*
'moving see': changed from F 'move to be', probably an authorial correction
'do lie': changed from F 'rely' , this might be an error, as the sense of F is much clearer.
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.4.
Venus vnto the Gods a ſute did moue,
that ſince she was of loue the godeſs stil'd
she only might the pouer haue of loue,
and nott as now a partner wth her child,
The cauſe to this wch stird the Godeſs milde
was that of late her ſeruant faulse did proue
hurt as she ſayd afresh by Cupide wilde,
and to a Nimph his paſsions did remoue;
Or els that they would eyes vnto him giue
that hee might ſee, how hee his shafts did driue؛
this they deny'd: For if hee blind did ill
What would hee ſeeing? Butt thus much they did
to shoote wthout her leaue they him forbid
hee this obſeru'd, and ſince obays her will.s̸
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4.
Venus* unto the Gods a suit did move,
That since she was of love the goddess styled,
She only might the power have of love,
And not as now a partner with her child,
The cause to this which stirred the Goddess mild
Was that of late her servant false did prove
Hurt as she said afresh by Cupid wild,
And to a Nymph his passions did remove;
Or else that they would eyes unto him give
That he might see, how he his shafts did drive,
This they denied: For if he blind did ill,
What would he seeing? But thus much they did
To shoot without her leave they him forbid
He this observed, and since obeys her will.
This sonnet only appears in F and was dropped from P.
Venus: Wroth made extensive use of Venus and Cupid in her pastoral play Love's Victory, as well as throughout her poetry.
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.5.
Can pleaſing ſight, misfortune euer bring?
can firme deſire, euer, torments try?
can winning eyes proue to the hart a sting?
Or can ſweet lips in treaſon hidden ly?
The Sun most pleaſing blinds the strongest eye
if to much look'd on, breaking the ſights string;
deſires crost, must vnto miſchiefes hye,
and as dispaire, a luckles chance may fling.
Eyes, hauing wunn, reiecting proues a sting
killing the bud beefor the tree doth spring
ſweet lips nott louing doth as poyſon proue
Deſire, ſight, Eyes, lips, ſeeke, ſee, proue, and find
you loue may win̅, butt curſes if vnkind
Then show you harmes diſlike, and ioye in Loue s̸
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5.
Can* pleasing sight, misfortune ever bring?
Can firm desire ever, torments* try?
Can winning eyes prove to the hart a sting?
Or can sweet lips in treason hidden lie?
The Sun most pleasing blinds the strongest eye
If too* much look'd on, breaking the sight's string;
Desires crossed * must unto mischiefs* hie,
And as despair, a luckless chance may fling.
Eyes, having won,* rejecting proves a sting
Killing the bud before the tree doth spring,
Sweet lips not loving doth* as poison prove.
Desire, sight, eyes, lips, seek, see, prove, and find
You love may win, but curses if unkind,
Then show you harm's dislike, and joy in Love.
This sonnet has a similar structure (termed correlative verse) to AS sonnet 43, which begins:
Faire eyes, sweet lips, dear heart, that foolish I
Could hope, by Cupid's help, on you to prey,
Since to himself he doth your gifts apply,
As his main force, choice sport, and easeful stay!
Wroth made a number of revisions for the 1621 printing (P).
'Ever, torments' = 'a painfull torment' (P)
'too' = 'to' (F), 'two' (P)
'crossed' = 'still crossed' (P)
'mischiefs' = 'mischief' (P)
'won' = 'none' (P)
'doth' = 'do' (P)
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5
Can pleaſing ſight misfortune euer bring?
Can firme deſire a painefull torment trye?
Can winning eyes proue to the heart a ſting?
Or can ſweet lips in Treaſon hidden lye?
The Sunne moſt pleaſing, blindes the ſtrongeſt eye,
If two much look'd on, breaking the ſights ſtring;
Deſires ſtill croſt muſt vnto miſchiefe hie,
And as Deſpaire, a luckleſſe chance may fling.
Eyes hauing none, reiecting prooues a ſting,
Killing the budd before the tree doth ſpring;
Sweet lipps, not louing, do as poyſon proue:
Deſire, ſight, eyes, lipps; ſeeke, ſee, proue, aud finde,
You loue may winn, but curſes, if vnkinde,
Then ſhew you harmes diſlike, and ioy in loue.
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5.
Can pleasing sight, misfortune ever bring?
Can firm desire a painful torment try?
Can winning eyes prove to the hart a sting?
Or can sweet lips in treason hidden lie?
The Sun most pleasing blinds the strongest eye
If too* much look'd on, breaking the sight's string;
Desires still crossed must unto mischief hie,
And as despair, a luckless chance may fling.
Eyes, having none,* rejecting proves a sting
Killing the bud before the tree doth spring,
Sweet lips not loving do as poison prove.
Desire, sight, eyes, lips, seek, see, prove, and find
You love may win, but curses if unkind,
Then show you harm's dislike, and joy in love.
'too': emended from 'two'
'none' = 'won' in F, perhaps a transcription error in P.
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.6.
O striue nott still to heape diſdaine on mee
nor pleaſure take your cruelty to show
on haples mee, on whom all ſorrowes flow,
and byding make: as giuen, and lost by thee,
Alas; eu'ne griefe is growne to pitty mee;
ſcorne cries out 'gainst itt ſelf ſuch ill to show,
and would giue place for ioyes delights to flow;
yett wretched I, all torturs beare from thee,
Long haue I ſuffer'd, and esteem'd itt deere
ſince you ſoe willd; yett grew my paines more neere:
wish you my end? ſay ſoe, you shall itt haue;
For all the depth of my hart=kild dispaire
is that for you I feele nott death for care;
Butt now I'le ſeeke itt, ſince you will nott ſaue s̸
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6.
O strive not still to heap disdain on me
Nor pleasure take your cruelty to show
On hapless me, on whom all sorrows flow,
And biding make: as given, and lost by thee,
Alas; even grief is grown to pity me;
Scorn cries out 'gainst itself such ill to show,
And would give place for joy's delights to flow;
Yet wretched I, all tortures* bear from thee,
Long have I suffered, and esteemed it dear
Since you so willed,* yet grew my pains* more near.
Wish you my* end? Say so, you shall it have;
For all the depth of my heart-killed* despair
Is that for you I feel not death for care;
But now I'll seek it, since you will not save.
'tortures'= 'torture' in P.
'you so willed' = 'such thy will' in P
'pains' = 'pain' in P
'my' = 'may' in P (transcription error?)
'heart-killed' = 'heart-held' in P; hard to say if this is an intentional revision or a transcription error.
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6
O striue not ſtill to heape diſdaine on me,
Nor pleaſure take, your cruelty to ſhow
On hapleſſe me, on whom all ſorrowes flow,
And byding make, as giuen, and loſt by thee.
Alas, euen griefe is growne to pitty me,
Scorne cryes out 'gainſt it ſelfe ſuch ill to ſhow,
And would giue place for ioyes delights to ſlow;
Yet wretched I, all torture beare from thee.
Long haue I ſuffer'd, and eſteem'd it deare,
Since ſuch thy will, yet grew my paine more neere:
Wiſh you may ende, ſay ſo, you ſhall it haue;
For all the deapth of my heart-held deſpaire,
Is that for you, I feele not Death for care,
But now Ile ſeeke it, ſince you will not ſaue.
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6.
O strive not still to heap disdain on me
Nor pleasure take your cruelty to show
On hapless me, on whom all sorrows flow,
And biding make: as given, and lost by thee,
Alas; even grief is grown to pity me;
Scorn cries out 'gainst itself such ill to show,
And would give place for joy's delights to flow;
Yet wretched I, all torture bear from thee,
Long have I suffered, and esteemed it dear
Since such thy will, yet grew my pain more near.
Wish you may end? Say so, you shall it have;
For all the depth of my heart-held despair
Is that for you I feel not death for care;
But now I'll seek it, since you will not save.
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Song 1.
The spring now come att last
to trees, fields, to flowers,
And medowes makes to tast
his pride, while ſad showers
wch from my eyes do flow
makes knowne wt cruell paines
colde winter yett remaines
Noe ſigne of spring I know s̸
The Sunn wch to the Earth
giues heate, light, and pleaſure,
ioyes in spring, hateth dearth,
plenty makes his treaſure
His heat to mee is colde,
his light all darknes is
ſince I am bar'd of bliſs
I heate nor light beeholde s̸
A sheapherdeſs thus ſayd
who was wt griefe oprest
for truest loue beetraid
bard her from quiett rest
And weeping thus ſayd she
my end aprocheth neere
now willow must I weare
My fortune ſoe will bee s̸
Wth branches of this tree
Ile dreſs my haples head
wch shall my wittnes bee
my hopes in loue ar dead;
My clothes imbroder'd all
shall bee wt Gyrlands round
ſome ſcater'd, others bound
ſome tide, ſome like to fall s̸
The barck my booke shall bee
wher dayly I will wright
this tale of haples mee
true slaue to fortunes spight;
The roote shall bee my bed
wher nightly I will lye,
wayling inconstancy
ſince all true loue is dead, s̸
And thes lines I will leaue
if ſome ſuch louer come
who may them right conſeaue,
and place them on my tombe
She who still constant lou'd
now dead wt cruell care
kild wt vnkind dispaire,
And change, her end heere prou'd s̸
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Song 1.
'The Spring now come at last
To trees, fields, to flowers,
And meadows makes to taste
His pride, while sad showers
Which from my* eyes do flow
Makes known what cruel pains
Cold Winter yet remains
No sign of spring I* know.
The sun which to the earth
Gives heat, light, and pleasure,
Joys in spring, hateth dearth,
Plenty makes his treasure
His heat to me is cold,
His light all darkness is
Since I am barred of bliss
I heat nor light behold.'
A shepherdess thus said
Who was with grief oppressed
For truest love betrayed
Barred her from quiet rest.
And weeping, thus said she:
'My end approacheth near
Now willow must I wear
My fortune so will be.
With branches of this tree
I'll dress my hapless head
Which shall my witness be
My hopes in love are dead;
My clothes embroidered all
Shall be with garlands round
Some scattered, others bound,
Some tied, some like to fall.
The bark my book shall be
Where daily I will write
This tale of hapless me
True slave to fortune's spite;
The root shall be my bed
Where nightly I will lie,
Wailing inconstancy
Since all true love is dead.
And these lines I will leave
If some such lover come
Who may them right conceive,
And place them on my tomb:
"She who still constant loved
Now dead with cruel care
Killed with unkind despair,
And change, her end here proved".'
A variation on RS song 3: 'Love not who have not loved', which, as Roberts notes, has a male shepherd lamenting his lost love: the resemblance is greatest at the final stanza:
This said a shepherd, once
With weights of change oppressed,
For he had lost at once
What ever he loved best;
And saw, while he did mourn,
The world's fair looks renewed
While he a state past rued
Which never would return.
Love not who have not loved,
And who do love, love no more.
This is itself a variation on the Pervigilium Veneris, a Latin poem C. 2nd century which was rediscovered and made popular throughout Europe in the late 16th century.
As a pastoral song, though, it relates to the immense popularity of pastoral in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, manifested especially, in relation to Wroth, in Philip Sidney's work, especially within Arcadia.
'my' = 'mine' in P.
'I' = 'we' in P.
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Song. I.
The Spring now come at laſt
To Trees, Fields, to Flowres,
And Meadowes makes to taſte
His pride, while ſad ſhowres
Which from mine eyes doe flow
Makes knowne with cruell paines,
Cold Winter yet remaines,
No ſigne of Spring wee knowe.
The Sunne which to the Earth
Giues heate, light, and pleaſure,
Ioyes in Spring hateth Dearth,
Plenty makes his Treaſure.
His heate to me is colde,
His light all darkneſſe is,
Since I am barr'd of bliſſe,
I heate, nor light behold
A Shepherdeſſe thus ſaid,
Who was with griefe oppreſt,
For trueſt Loue betrayd,
Barrd her from quiet rest:
And weeping thus, ſaid ſhee,
My end approacheth neere,
Now Willow muſt I weare,
My fortune ſo will bee.
With Branches of this tree
Ile dreſſe my hapleſſe head,
Which ſhall my witneſſe bee,
My hopes in Loue are dead:
My cloathes imbroder'd all,
Shall be with Garlands round,
Some ſcatter'd, others bound;
Some tyde, ſome like to fall.
The Barke my Booke ſhall bee,
Where dayly I will write,
This tale of haples mee,
True ſlaue to Fortunes ſpite.
The roote ſhall be my bedd,
Where nightly I will lye
Wailing inconſtancy,
Since all true loue is dead.
And theſe Lines I will leaue,
If ſome ſuch Louer come,
Who may them right conceiue,
and place them on my Tombe:
She who ſtill conſtant lou'd
Now dead with cruell care,
Kill'd with vnkind Diſpaire,
And change, her end heere prou'd.
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Song 1
'The spring now come at last
To trees, fields, to flowers,
And meadows makes to taste
His pride, while sad showers
Which from mine eyes do flow
Makes known what cruel pains
Cold winter yet remains
No sign of spring we know.
The sun which to the earth
Gives heat, light, and pleasure,
Joys in spring, hateth dearth,
Plenty makes his treasure
His heat to me is cold,
His light all darkness is
Since I am barred of bliss
I heat nor light behold.'
A shepherdess thus said
Who was with grief oppressed
For truest love betrayed
Barred her from quiet rest.
And weeping, thus said she:
'My end approacheth near
Now willow must I wear
My fortune so will be.
With branches of this tree
I'll dress my hapless head
Which shall my witness be
My hopes in love are dead;
My clothes embroidered all
Shall bee with garlands round
Some scattered, others bound,
Some tied, some like to fall.
The bark my book shall be
Where daily I will write
This tale of hapless me
True slave to fortune's spite;
The root shall be my bed
Where nightly I will lie,
Wailing inconstancy
Since all true love is dead.
And these lines I will leave
If some such lover come
Who may them right conceive,
And place them on my tomb:
"She who still constant loved
Now dead with cruel care
Killed with unkind despair,
And change, her end here proved".'
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.7.
Loue leaue to vrge, thou know'st thou hast ye hand;
'T'is cowardiſe to striue wher none reſist:
Pray thee leaue of, I yeeld vnto thy band;
Doe nott thus, still, in thine owne powre perſist,
B....eehold I yeeld: lett forces bee dismist;
I ame your ſubiect conquer'd, bound doe stand,
neuer your foe, butt did your claime assist
ſeeking your due of thoſe who did wt=stand;
Butt now, itt ſeemes, you would I should you loue;
I doe confeſs, t'was you, made mee first chuſe;
and yor faire showes made mee a louer proue
when I my freedome did, for paine refuſe
Yett this Sr God, yor boyship I dispiſe;
Your charmes I' obay, butt loue nott want of eyes s̸
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7.
Love leave to urge, thou know'st thou hast the hand;
'T'is cowardice to strive where none resist:
Pray thee leave of,* I yield unto thy band;
Do not thus, still, in thine own power persist,
Behold I yield: let forces be dismissed;
I am your* subject conquered, bound do* stand,
Never your* foe, but did your* claim assist
Seeking your* due of those who did withstand;
But now, it seems, you would* I should you* love;
I do confess, 'twas you, made me first* choose;
And your* faire shows made me a lover prove
when I my freedom did, for pain refuse
Yet this Sir God, your boyship I despise;
Your charms I obey, but love not want of eyes.
The personification of Cupid is a prominent part of Wroth's poetry and also within Love's Victory. Roberts (her P8) notes that the mocking address to 'Sir God' echoes AS 53, but see also AS 61 where he is addressed as 'Dr Cupid'.
'of' = 'off' in P.
'your' = 'thy' in P. (all instances of 'your' changed to 'thy' in P).
'do' = 'to' in P.
'you would' = 'thou wouldst' in P.
'you' = 'thee' in P.
'you, made me first' = 'thy will made me' in P.
While the F use of 'your' seems more modern to us, and more colloquial, at the time Wroth wrote, the distinction between 'your' and 'thy' or 'you' and 'thou' was mostly to do with rank and status. So 'you' is appropriate as an address to one's superior, 'thou' is a more familiar usage and would normally be used for one's inferior - although these are not hard and fast rules. So the change from the 'your' of F to 'thy' of P could be either authorial or the work of the typesetter of P, and could in either case indicate a notion that this sonnet should be consistent and not move from 'thy' to 'your', or it could be reconceptualizing the relationship between Pamphilia and Cupid and making it more casual as the speaker offers the teasing soubriquet 'sir God' and the demeaning 'boyship'.
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7
Loue leaue to vrge, thou knoweſt thou haſt the hand
'Tis Cowardize to ſtriue where none reſiſt,
Pray thee leaue of, I yeeld vnto thy band,
Doe not thus ſtill in thine owne power perſiſt.
Behold, I yeeld; let forces be diſmiſt,
I am thy Subiect conquer'd bound to ſtand
Neuer thy foe, but did thy claime aſſiſt,
Seeking thy due of thoſe who did withſtand.
But now it ſeemes thou would'ſt I ſhould thee loue,
I doe confeſſe, 'twas thy will made mee chooſe,
And thy faire ſhewes made me a Louer proue,
When I my freedome did for paine refuſe.
Yet this, Sir god, your Boy-ſhip I deſpiſe,
Your charmes I obey, but loue not want of eyes.
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7.
Love leave to urge, thou know'st thou hast the hand;
'T'is cowardice to strive where none resist:
Pray thee leave off, I yield unto thy band;
Do not thus, still, in thine own power persist,
Behold I yield: let forces be dismissed;
I am thy subject conquered, bound to stand,
Never thy foe, but did thy claim assist
Seeking thy due of those who did withstand;
Butt now, it seems, thou wouldst I should thee love;
I do confess, t'was thy will made me choose;
And thy faire shows made me a lover prove
When I my freedom did, for pain refuse
Yet this Sir God, your boyship I despise;
Your charms I obey, but love not want of eyes.
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.8.
Led by the powre of griefe, to waylings brought
by faulce conſiete of change fall'ne on my part,
I ſeeke for ſome ſmale eaſe by lines, wch bought,
increaſeth paine; griefe is nott cur'd by art:
Ah! how vnkindnes moues wt in the hart
wch still is true, and free from changing thought
What vnknowne woe itt breeds; what endles ſmart
wth ceaſles teares wch cauſeleſsly ar brought.
Itt makes mee now to shunn all shining light,
and ſeeke for blackest clouds mee light to giue,
wch to all others, only darknes driue,
they on mee shine, for ſunn diſdaines my ſight
Yett though I darke do liue I triumph may
Vnkindnes, nor this wrong shall loue allay s̸
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8.
Led by the power of grief, to wailings brought
By false conceit of change fallen on my part,
I seek for some small ease by lines, which bought,
Increaseth* pain; grief is not cured by art:
Ah! how unkindness moves within the heart
Which still is true, and free from changing thought
What unknown woe it breeds; what endless smart
With ceaseless tears which causelessly are brought*.
It makes me now to shun all shining light,
And seek for blackest clouds me light to give,
Which to all others, only darkness drive,
They on me shine, for sun disdains my sight
Yet though I dark do live I triumph may
Unkindness, nor this wrong shall love allay.
'increaseth' = 'increase the' in P.
'are brought' = 'are wrought' in P.
The power of grief features in a number of AS sonnets; for example, in 93: 'What sobs can give words grace my grief to show?'.
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8.
Ledd by the power of griefe to wailings brought,
By falſe conceit of change fallen on my part;
I ſeeke for ſome ſmale eaſe by lines which bought,
Increaſe the paine; griefe is not cur'd by Art.
Ah! how vnkindneſſe moues within the heart,
Which ſtill is true and free from changing thought:
What vnknowne woe it breeds, what endleſſe ſmart,
With ceaſleſſe teares which cauſeleſly are wrought.
It makes me now to ſhun all ſhining light,
And ſeeke for blackeſt clouds me light to giue:
Which to all others onely darkneſſe driue;
They on me ſhine, for Sunne diſdaines my ſight.
Yet though I darke doe liue, I triumph may,
Vnkindnes, nor this wrong ſhall loue allay.
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8.
Led by the power of grief, to wailings brought
By false conceit of change fallen on my part,
I seek for some small ease by lines, which bought,
Increase the pain; grief is not cured by art:
Ah! how unkindness moves within the heart
Which still is true, and free from changing thought
What unknown woe it breeds; what endless smart
With ceaseless tears which causelessly are wrought.
It makes me now to shun all shining light,
And seek for blackest clouds me light to give,
Which to all others, only darkness drive,
They on me shine, for sun disdains my sight
Yet though I dark do live I triumph may;
Unkindness, nor this wrong, shall love allay.
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.9.
Bee you all pleaſ'd? your pleaſures grieue nott mee;
Doe you delight? I enuy nott your ioy;
haue you content? contentment wt you bee:
hope you for bliſs? hope still, and still inioye:
Lett ſad miſfortune; haples mee destroy,
leaue croſses to rule mee, and still rule free,
While all delights theyr contrairies imploy
to keepe good back, and I butt torments ſee,
Ioyes are beereau'd, and harmes doe only tarry;
dispaire takes place, diſdaine hath gott the hand;
yett firme loue holds my ſences in ſuch band
as ſince dispiſed, I, wt ſorrow marry;
Then if wth griefe I now must coupled bee
Sorrow Ile wed: Dispaire thus gouerns mee s̸
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9.
Be you all pleased? Your pleasures grieve not me;
Do you delight? I envy not your joy;
Have you content? Contentment with you be:
Hope you for bliss? Hope still, and still enjoy:
Let sad misfortune hapless me destroy,
Leave crosses to rule me, and still rule free,
While all delights their contraries employ
To keep good back, and I but torments see,
Joys are bereaved, and harms* do only tarry;
Despair takes place, disdain hath got the hand;
Yet firm love holds my senses in such band
As since despised, I, with sorrow marry;
Then if with grief I now must coupled be
Sorrow I'll wed: despair thus governs me.
Roberts [P10] notes a parallel in AS 100, which ends: 'All mirth farewell, let me in sorrow live'.
'are bereaved and harms' = 'bereaved me, harms' in P.
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9.
Bee you all pleas'd, your pleaſures grieue not me;
Doe you delight? I enuy not your ioy:
Haue you content? contentment with you be;
Hope you for bliſſe? hope ſtill, and ſtill enioy.
Let ſad misfortune, hapleſſe me deſtroy,
Leaue croſſes to rule me, and ſtill rule free:
While all delights their contraries imploy,
To keepe good backe, and I but torments ſee.
Ioyes are bereau'd me, harmes doe only tarry,
Deſpaire takes place, diſdaine hath got the hand:
Yet firme loue holds my ſenſes in ſuch band,
As (ſince deſpiſed) I with ſorrow marry.
Then if with griefe I now muſt coupled bee,
Sorrow Ile wed; Deſpaire thus gouernes mee.
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p.
Be you all pleased? Your pleasures grieve not me;
Do you delight? I envy not your joy;
Have you content? Contentment with you be:
Hope you for bliss? Hope still, and still enjoy:
Let sad misfortune hapless me destroy,
Leave crosses to rule me, and still rule free,
While all delights their contraries employ
To keep good back, and I but torments see,
Joys are bereaved me, harms do only tarry;
Despair takes place, disdain hath got the hand;
Yet firm love holds my senses in such band
As since despised, I, with sorrow marry;
Then if with grief I now must coupled be
Sorrow I'll wed: despair thus governs me.
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.10.
The weary traueller who tired ſought
In places distant farr, yett found noe end
of paine, or labour, nor his state to mend,
att last wt ioy is to his home back brought;
Finds nott more eaſe, though hee wth ioy bee fraught;
when past is feare, content like ſoules aſsend;
then I, on whom new pleaſures doe deſsend.
wch now as high as first borne bliſs is wrought;
Hee tired wt his paines, I, wt my mind;
hee all content receaues by eaſe of limms;
I, greatest hapines that I doe find
beeleefe for fayth, while hope in pleaſure ſwimms;
Truth ſays t'was wrong conſeite bred my deſpite
wch once acknowledg'd, brings my harts delight;s̸
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10.
The weary traveller who tired sought
In places distant far, yet found no end
Of pain, or labour, nor his state to mend,
At last with joy is to his home back brought,
Finds not more ease, though he with joy be fraught,
When past is* fear, content like souls ascend,
Than I, on whom new pleasures do descend,
Which now as high as first-born bliss is wrought;
He tired with his pains, I, with my mind;
He all content receives by ease of limbs;
I, greatest happiness that I do find
Belief for faith, while hope in pleasure swims;
Truth says* 'twas wrong conceit bred my despite
Which once acknowledged, brings my heart's delight.
'is' = 'his' in P
'says' = 'saith' in P
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10.
The weary Traueller, who tyred, ſought
In places diſtant farre, yet found no end
Of paine or labour, nor his ſtate to mend:
At laſt with ioy is to his home backe brought.
Findes not more eaſe though he with ioy be fraught,
When paſt his feare content like ſoules aſcend:
Then I, on whom new pleaſures doe deſcend,
Which now as high as firſt-borne bliſſe is wrought.
He tyred with his paines, I with my minde;
He all content receiues by eaſe of lymbs:
I, greateſt happineſſe that I doe finde,
Beliefe for faith, while hope in pleaſure ſwimmes.
Truth saith 'twas wrong conceit bred my deſpight,
Which once acknowledg'd, brings my hearts delight.
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10.
The weary traveller who tired sought
In places distant far, yet found no end
Of pain, or labour, nor his state to mend,
At last with joy is to his home back brought,
Finds not more ease, though he with joy be fraught,
When past his fear, content like souls ascend,
Than I, on whom new pleasures do descend,
which now as high as first-born bliss is wrought;
He tired with his pains, I, with my mind;
He all content receives by ease of limbs;
I, greatest happiness that I do find
Belief for faith, while hope in pleasure swims;
Truth saith 'twas wrong conceit bred my despite
Which once acknowledged, brings my heart's delight.
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.11.
You endleſs torments that my rest opreſs
how long will you delight in my ſad paine?
will neuer loue yor fauour more expreſs?
shall I still liue, and euer feele diſdaine?
Alaſs now stay, and lett my griefe obtaine
ſome end; feede nott my hart wth sharpe distreſs:
lett mee once ſee my cruell fortunes gaine
att last releaſe, and long felt woes redreſs;
Lett nott the blame of cruelty diſgrace
the honor'd title of your Godhed, Loue:
giue nott iust cauſe for mee to ſay a place
is found for rage alone on mee to moue;
O quickly end, and doe nott long debate
my needfull ayde least help do come to late;s̸
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11.
You endless torments that my rest oppress
How long will you delight in my sad pain?
Will never love your favour more express?
Shall I still live, and ever feel disdain?
Alas now stay, and let my grief obtain
Some end; feed not my heart with sharp distress:
Let me once see my cruel fortunes gain
At least* release, and long felt woes redress;
Let not the blame of cruelty disgrace
The honoured title of your Godhead, Love:
Give not just cause for me to* say a place
Is found for rage alone on me to move;
O quickly end, and do not long debate
My needful aid least help do come too late.
'least': looks a bit like 'last' in F, but 'least' in P. Both 'least' and 'last' release make sense.
'to' = 'so' in P
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11.
You endleſſe torments that my reſt oppreſſe,
How long will you delight in my ſad paine?
Will neuer Loue your fauour more expreſſe?
Shall I ſtill liue, and euer feele diſdaine?
Alaſſe now ſtay, and let my griefe optaine
Some end; feede not my heart with ſharpe diſtreſſe:
Let me once ſee my cruell fortunes gaine,
At leaſt releaſe, and long-felt woes redreſſe.
Let not the blame of cruelty diſgrace
The honour'd title of your god-head Loue;
Giue not iuſt cauſe for me ſo ſay, a place
Is found for rage alone on me to moue.
O quickly end, and doe not long debate
My needfull ayd, leſt helpe doe come too late.
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11.
You endless torments that my rest oppress
How long will you delight in my sad pain?
Will never love your favour more express?
Shall I still live, and ever feel disdain?
Alas now stay, and let my grief obtain
Some end; feed not my heart with sharp distress:
Let me once see my cruel fortunes gain
At least release, and long felt woes redress;
Let not the blame of cruelty disgrace
The honoured title of your Godhead, Love:
Give not just cause for me so* say a place
Is found for rage alone on me to move;
O quickly end, and do not long debate
My needful aid least help do come too late.
'so' = 'to' in F: a clear transcription error.
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.12.
Cloy'd wth the torments of a tedious night
I wish for day; wch come, I hope for ioy:
When croſs I finde new tortures to destroy
my woe=kil'd hart, first hurt by miſchiefs might,
Then cry for night, and once more day takes flight
and brightnes gon; what rest should heere inioy
Vſurped is; hate will her force imploy;
Night can nott griefe intombe though black as spite
My thoughts are ſad; her face as ſad doth ſeeme:
My paines are long; Her houers tædious are:
My griefe is great, and endles is my care:
Her face, her force, and all of woes esteeme:
Then wellcome Night, and farwell flattring day
wch all hopes breed, and yett our ioyes delay; s̸
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12.
Cloyed with the torments of a tedious night
I wish for day; which come, I hope for joy:
When cross I find new tortures to destroy
My woe-killed heart, first hurt by mischief's might,
Then cry for night, and once more day takes flight
And brightness gone; what rest should here enjoy
Usurped is; hate will her force employ;
Night cannot grief entomb though black as spite
My thoughts are sad; her face as sad doth seem:
My pains are long; her hours tedious are:
My grief is great, and endless is my care:
Her face, her force, and all of woes esteem:
Then welcome Night, and farewell flattering day
Which all hopes breed, and yet our joys delay.
For parallels see AS 89: 'Now that of absence the most irksome night/
With darkest shade doth overcome my day'; RS 19: 'When other creatures all, each in their kind,/Comfort of light, quiet from darkness fetch'. Roberts [P13] also notes Spenser, Amoretti 87, which includes the lines: 'I wish that night the noyous day would end:/
and when as night hath us of light forlorn,/ I wish that day would shortly reascend.'
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12.
Cloy'd with the torments of a tedious night,
I wiſh for day; which come, I hope for ioy:
When croſſe I finde, new tortures to deſtroy,
My woe-kild heart, firſt hurt by miſchiefs might.
Then crye for night, and once more day takes flight.
And brightneſſe gone, what reſt ſhould heere inioy
Vſurped is: Hate will her force imploy;
Night cannot Griefe intombe though blacke as ſpite.
My thoughts are ſad, her face as ſad doth ſeeme;
My paines are long, her howers tedious are;
My griefe is great, and endleſſe is my care;
Her face, her force, and all of woes eſteeme.
Then welcome Night, and farewell flattering day,
Which all hopes breed, and yet our ioyes delay.
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12.
Cloyed with the torments of a tedious night
I wish for day; which come, I hope for joy:
When cross I find new tortures to destroy
My woe-killed heart, first hurt by mischief's might,
Then cry for night, and once more day takes flight
And brightness gone; what rest should here enjoy
Usurped is; hate will her force employ;
Night cannot grief entomb though black as spite
My thoughts are sad; her face as sad doth seem:
My pains are long; her hours tedious are:
My grief is great, and endless is my care:
Her face, her force, and all of woes esteem:
Then welcome Night, and farewell flattering day
Which all hopes breed, and yet our joys delay.
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.Song 2.
All night I weepe, all day I cry, Ay mee;
I still doe wish though yett deny, Ay mee;
I ſigh, I mourne, and ſay that still
I only ame the store for ill, Ay mee;
In coldest hopes I freeze, yett burne Ay mee;
From flames I striue to fly, yett turne Ay me;
From griefe I haste butt ſorrowes hy,
and on my hart all woes doe ly Ay mee;
From contraries I ſeeke to runn Ay mee;
butt contraries I can nott shunn Ay mee;
For they delight theyr force to try,
and to despaire my thoughts doe ty Ay mee;
Whether (alaſs) then shall I goe Ay mee;
when as dispaire all hopes outgoe Ay mee;
Iff to the Forest, Cupid hyes,
and my poore ſoule to his lawe ties Ay mee;
To the 'Court'. O no. Hee crys fy Ay mee;
ther no true loue you shall espy Ay mee;
Leaue that place to faulſcest louers
yor true loue all truth diſcouers Ay mee;
Then quiett rest, and noe more proue Ay mee;
All places ar alike to loue Ay mee;
And constant bee in this beegunn
Yett ſay, till lyfe wt loue be dunn Ay mee; s̸
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Song 2.
All night I weep, all day I cry, Ay me;
I still doe wish though yet deny, Ay me;
I sigh, I mourn, and* say that still
I only am the store for ill, Ay me;
In coldest hopes I freeze, yet burn, Ay me;
From flames I strive to fly, yet turn, Ay me;
From grief I haste but sorrows hie,
And on my heart all woes do lie, Ay me;
From contraries I seek to run, Ay me;
But contraries I cannot shun, Ay me;
For they delight their force to try,
And to despair my thoughts do tie, Ay me;
Whither (alas) then shall I go, Ay me;
When as despair all hopes outgo, Ay me;
If to the Forest, Cupid hies,
And my poor soul to his law ties, Ay me;
To the Court? O no. He cries fie, Ay me;
there no true love you shall espy, Ay me;
Leave that place to falsest lovers
your true love all truth discovers, Ay me;
Then quiet rest, and no more prove, Ay me;
All places are alike to love, Ay me;
And constant be in this begun
Yet say, till life with love be done, Ay me.
'and' = 'I' in P
This song is, as Roberts [P14] notes, the only example of Wroth's poetry to be reproduced (in a much shorter version) in print in the seventeenth century, in Wit's Recreations (1645).
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Song. 2.
All Night I weepe, all Day I cry, Ay me,
I ſtill doe wiſh, though yet deny, ay me:
I ſigh, I mourne, I ſay that ſtill,
I only am the ſtore for ill, ay me.
In coldeſt hopes I freeze, yet burne, ay me,
From flames I ſtriue to flye, yet turne, ay me:
From griefe I haſt, but ſorrowes hye,
And on my heart all woes doe lye, ay me.
From contraries I ſeeke to run, ay me,
But contraries I cannot ſhun, ay me:
For they delight their force to trye,
And to Deſpaire my thoughts doe tye, ay me.
Whither alaſſe then ſhall I goe, ay me,
When as Deſpaire all hopes outgoe, ay me:
If to the Forreſt Cupid hies,
And my poore ſoule to his law tyes, ay me.
To the Court: O no, he cryes fye, ay me,
There no true loue you ſhall eſpye, ay me:
Leaue that place to falſeſt Louers,
Your true loue all truth diſcouers, ay me,
Then quiet reſt, and no more proue, ay me,
All places are alike to Loue, ay me:
And conſtant be in this begun,
Yet ſay, till Life with Loue be done, Ay me.
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Song 2.
All night I weep, all day I cry, Ay me;
I still doe wish though yet deny, Ay me;
I sigh, I mourn, I say that still
I only am the store for ill, Ay me;
In coldest hopes I freeze, yet burn, Ay me;
From flames I strive to fly, yet turn, Ay me;
From grief I haste but sorrows hie,
And on my heart all woes do lie, Ay me;
From contraries I seek to run, Ay me;
But contraries I cannot shun, Ay me;
For they delight their force to try,
And to despair my thoughts do tie, Ay me;
Whither (alas) then shall I go, Ay me;
When as despair all hopes outgo, Ay me;
If to the Forest, Cupid hies,
And my poor soul to his law ties, Ay me;
To the Court? O no. He cries fie, Ay me;
There no true love you shall espy, Ay me;
Leave that place to falsest lovers
Your true love all truth discovers, Ay me;
Then quiet rest, and no more prove, Ay me;
All places are alike to love, Ay me;
And constant be in this begun
Yet say, till life with love be done, Ay me.
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.13.
Deare famish nott what you your ſelf gaue food,
destroy nott what your glory is to ſaue;
kill nott that ſoule to wch you spiritt gaue;
In pitty, nott diſdaine your triumph stood;
An eaſy thing itt is to shed the blood
of one, who att your will, yeelds to the graue;
butt more you may true worthe by mercy craue
when you preſerue, nott spoyle, butt nurrish good;
Your ſight is all the food I doe deſire;
then ſacrifies mee nott in hidden fire,
Or stop that breath wch did your prayſes moue:
Think butt how eaſy t'is a ſight to giue;
nay eu'n deſerte; ſince by itt I doe liue,
I butt Camælion=like would liue, and loue;s̸
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13.
Dear, famish not what you yourself gave food,
Destroy not what your glory is to save;
Kill not that soul to which you spirit gave;
In pity, not disdain your triumph stood;
An easy thing it is to shed the blood
Of one, who at your will, yields to the grave;
But more you may true worth by mercy crave
When you preserve, not spoil, but nourish good;
Your sight is all the food I doe desire;
Then sacrifice me not in hidden fire,
Or stop that* breath which did your praises move:
Think butt how easy 'tis a sight to give;
Nay even desert; since by it I doe live,
I but Chameleon-like would live, and love.
'that' = 'the' in P
The associations of food with love and desire are legion, but in particular Wroth may allude to a famous line from AS 71: 'But, ah, Desire still cries, Give me some food'.
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13.
Deare famiſh not what you your ſelfe gaue foode,
Deſtroy not what your glory is to ſaue:
Kill not that ſoule to which you ſpirit gaue,
In pitty, not diſdaine, your triumph ſtood.
An eaſie thing it is to ſhed the bloud
Of one who at your will yeelds to the graue:
But more you may true worth by mercy craue,
When you preſerue, not ſpoyle, but nouriſh good.
Your ſight is all the food I doe deſire,
Then ſacrifice me not in hidden fire,
Or ſtop the breath which did your praiſes moue.
Thinke but how eaſie 'tis a ſight to giue,
Nay, euen deſert, ſince by it I doe liue,
I but Camelion-like, would liue, and loue.
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13.
Dear, famish not what you yourself gave food,
Destroy not what your glory is to save;
Kill not that soul to which you spirit gave;
In pity, not disdain your triumph stood;
An easy thing it is to shed the blood
Of one, who at your will, yields to the grave;
But more you may true worth by mercy crave
When you preserve, not spoil, but nourish good;
Your sight is all the food I doe desire;
Then sacrifice me not in hidden fire,
Or stop the breath which did your praises move:
Think butt how easy 'tis a sight to give;
Nay even desert; since by it I doe live,
I but Chameleon-like would live, and love.
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.14.
Am I thus conquer'd? haue I lost the powers
that to wthstand, wch ioy's to ruin mee?
must I bee still while itt my strength deuowres.
and captiue leads mee priſoner, bound, vnfree?
Loue first shall leaue mens phant'ſies to them free,
deſire shall quench loues flames, spring hate ſweet showres,
Cupid shall looſe his darts, haue ſight, and ſee
his shame, and Venus hinder happy howres;
Why should wee nott loues purblinde charmes reſist?
muſt wee bee ſeruile, doing what hee list?
Noe, ſeeke ſome hoste to harbour thee: I fly
Thy babish trickes, and freedome doe profeſs;
butt ô my hurt, makes my lost hart confeſs
I loue, and must: So farwell liberty;s̸
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14.
Am I thus conquered? Have I lost the powers
That to withstand, which joys to ruin me?
Must I bee still while it my strength devours.
And captive, leads me prisoner, bound, unfree?
Love first shall leave* men's fancies to them free,
Desire shall quench love's flames, spring hate sweet showers,
Cupid shall lose his darts,* have sight, and see
His shame, and Venus hinder happy hours;
Why should wee not love's purblind charms resist?
Must we be servile, doing what he list?
No; seek some host to harbour thee: I fly
Thy babyish tricks, and freedom do profess;
But O my hurt makes my lost heart confess
I love, and must: so farewell liberty.
Again this sonnet elaborates on Wroth's theme of resistance/captivity to the power of desire, and uses a personified Cupid as the representative of the war Pamphilia is fighting to maintain her autonomy.
'leave' = lean' in P: clearly a transcription error.
'Cupid shall lose his darts' = 'Love shall loose all his darts' in P: F seems a stronger idea, with Cupid gaining sight as well as losing his darts, but this could also be an authorial revision.
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14.
Am I thus conquer'd? haue I loſt the powers,
That to withſtand which ioyes to ruine me?
Muſt I bee ſtill, while it my ſtrength deuoures,
And captiue leads me priſoner bound, vnfree?
Loue firſt ſhall leane mens fant'ſies to them free,
Deſire ſhall quench loues flames, Spring, hate ſweet ſhowres;
Loue ſhall looſe all his Darts, haue ſight, and ſee
His ſhame and wiſhings, hinder happy houres.
Why ſhould we not Loues purblinde charmes reſiſt?
Muſt we be ſeruile, doing what he liſt?
No, ſeeke ſome hoſt to harbour thee: I flye
Thy Babiſh tricks, and freedome doe profeſſe;
But O, my hurt makes my loſt heart confeſſe:
I loue, and muſt; ſo farewell liberty.
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14.
Am I thus conquered? Have I lost the powers
That to withstand, which joys to ruin me?
Must I bee still while it my strength devours.
And captive, leads me prisoner, bound, unfree?
Love first shall lean men's fancies to them free,
Desire shall quench love's flames, spring hate sweet showers,
Love shall loose all his darts, have sight, and see
His shame, and Venus hinder happy hours;
Why should wee not love's purblind charms resist?
Must we be servile, doing what he list?
No; seek some host to harbour thee: I fly
Thy babyish tricks, and freedom do profess;
But O my hurt makes my lost heart confess
I love, and must: so farewell liberty.
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.15.
Loue like a jugler, comes to play his priſe,
and all minds draw his wonders to admire,
to ſee how cuningly hee, wanting eyes,
can yett deſeaue the best ſight of deſire:
The wanton child, how hee can faine his fire
ſo pretely, as none ſees his diſguiſe;
how finely doe his tricks, while wee fooles hire
the image maske, and ſeruice of his tirannies,
For in the end, ſuch iugling doth hee make
as hee our harts, in stead of eyes doth take
for men can only by theyr slieghts abuſe
The ſight wth nimble, and delightfull skill;
butt if hee play, his gaine is our lost will:
yett childlike, wee can nott his sports refuſe;s̸
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15.
Love like a juggler, comes to play his prize,
And all minds draw* his wonders to admire,
To see how cunningly he, wanting eyes,
Can yet deceive the best sight of desire:
The wanton child, how he can fain his fire
So prettily, as none sees his disguise;
How finely do his tricks, while we fools hire
The mask* and service* of his tyrannies,
For in the end, such juggling doth he* make
As he our hearts, in stead of eyes doth take
For men can only by their sleights abuse
The sight with nimble, and delightful skill;
But if he play, his gain is our lost will:
Yet childlike, we cannot his sports refuse.
In P this sonnet is moved to the sequence that begins on fol. 29 after Song 'Fairest and truest eyes'.
'all minds draw': the sense here is of people drawing near to a trickster (ie juggler) who will trick them with sleight of hand tricks.
'mask' = 'image' in P; in F 'image' is crossed out and 'maske' written above it.
'service' = 'office' in P.
'doth he' = 'he doth' in P.
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2.
Loue like a Iugler comes to play his prize,
And all mindes draw his wonders to admire,
To ſee how cunningly he (wanting eyes)
Can yet deceiue the beſt ſight of deſire.
The wanton Childe, how he can faine his fire
So prettily, as none ſees his diſguiſe,
How finely doe his trickes; while we fooles hire
The badge, and office of his tyrannies.
For in the ende ſuch Iugling he doth make,
As he our hearts inſtead of eyes doth take;
For men can onely by their ſlights abuſe,
The ſight with nimble, and delightfull skill,
But if he play, his gaine is our loſt will,
Yet Child-like we cannot his ſports refuſe.
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Sonnet 2.
Love like a juggler, comes to play his prize,
And all minds draw his wonders to admire,
To see how cunningly he, wanting eyes,
Can yet deceive the best sight of desire:
The wanton child, how he can fain his fire
So prettily, as none sees his disguise;
How finely do his tricks, while we fools hire
The badge and office of his tyrannies,
For in the end, such juggling he doth make
As he our hearts, in stead of eyes doth take
For men can only by their sleights abuse
The sight with nimble, and delightful skill;
But if he play, his gain is our lost will:
Yet childlike, we cannot his sports refuse.
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.16.
My paine, still ſmother'd in my grieued brest,
ſeekes for ſome eaſe, yett cannott paſsage finde
to bee diſcharg'd of this vnwellcome ghest;
when most I striue, more fast his burdens bind,
Like to a ship, on Goodwines cast by wind
the more she striues, more deepe in ſand is prest
till she bee lost; ſo am I, in this kind
ſunk, and deuour'd, and ſwallow'd by vnrest,
Lost, shipwrack't, spoyl'd, debar'd of ſmallest hope
nothing of pleaſure left; ſaue thought's haue ſcope,
wch wander may: Goe then, my thoughts, and cry
Hope's perish'd; Loue tempest=beaten; Ioy lost
killing dispaire hath all thes bleſsing crost
yett faith still cries, Loue will nott falsefy.s̸
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F16
My pain, still smothered in my grieved breast,
Seeks for some ease, yet cannot passage find
To be discharged of this unwelcome guest;
When most I strive, more fast his burdens bind,
Like to a ship, on Goodwins* cast by wind
The more she strives,* more deep in sand is pressed
Till she bee lost; so am I, in this kind
Sunk, and devoured, and swallowed by unrest,
Lost, shipwrecked, spoiled, debarred of smallest hope,
Nothing of pleasure left; save thoughts have scope,
Which wander may: Go then, my thoughts, and cry
'Hope's perished; Love tempest-beaten; joy lost
Killing despair hath all these blessing* crossed.'
Yet faith still cries, 'Love will not falsify.'
Moved to fol. 31 in P, as sonnet 6.
The central image of the shipwrecked lover was popular with sonnet-writers. Petrarch's sonnet 189 was famously adapted by Wyatt: 'My galley, charged with forgetfulness,/Through sharp seas in winter nights doth pass'. Roberts' notes [P68] parallels with RS 22 ('my wrack of rest') and 23 ('If perished bark on shore by tempest cast').
'Goodwins': Goodwin Sands, on the Kent Coast, is still renowned as hazardous to shipping.
'strives' = 'strive' in P
'blessing' = 'blessings' in P.
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6.
My paine ſtill ſmother'd in my grieued breſt,
Seekes for ſome eaſe, yet cannot paſſage finde,
To be diſchargd of this vnwelcome gueſt,
When moſt I ſtriue, more faſt his burthens binde.
Like to a Ship on Goodwins caſt by winde,
The more ſhee ſtriue, more deepe in Sand is preſt,
Till ſhe be loſt: ſo am I in this kind
Sunck, and deuour'd, and ſwallow'd by vnreſt.
Loſt, ſhipwrackt, ſpoyld, debar'd of ſmalleſt hope,
Nothing of pleaſure left, ſaue thoughts haue ſcope,
Which wander may; goe then my thoughts and cry:
Hope's periſh'd, Loue tempeſt-beaten, Ioy loſt,
Killing Deſpaire hath all theſe bleſſings croſt;
Yet Faith ſtill cries, Loue will not falſifie.
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Sonnet 6
My pain, still smothered in my grieved breast,
Seeks for some ease, yet cannot passage find
To be discharged of this unwelcome guest;
When most I strive, more fast his burdens bind,
Like to a ship, on Goodwins cast by wind
The more she strives, more deep in sand is pressed
Till she bee lost; so am I, in this kind
Sunk, and devoured, and swallowed by unrest,
Lost, shipwrecked, spoiled, debarred of smallest hope,
Nothing of pleasure left; save thoughts have scope,
Which wander may: Go then, my thoughts, and cry
'Hope's perished; Love tempest-beaten; joy lost
Killing despair hath all these blessings crossed.'
Yet faith still cries, 'Love will not falsify.'
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.17.
Poore Loue in chaines, and fetters, like a thiefe
I mett led forthe, as chast Diana's gaine,
vowing the vntaught Lad should noe reliefe
from her receaue, who glory'd in fond paine.
She call'd him theife; wt vowes hee did maintaine
hee neuer stole; butt ſome slight touch of griefe
had giuen to thoſe who did his powre diſdaine,
in wch reueng, his honor, was the chiefe:
She ſay'd hee murder'd, and therfor must dy;
hee, that hee cauſ'd butt loue: did harmes deny
butt, while she thus diſcourſing wt him stood
The Nimphs vnty'd him, and his chaines tooke of
thinking him ſafe; butt hee, looſe, made a ſcofe
ſmiling, and ſcorning them, flew to the wood. s̸
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17.
Poor Love in chains, and fetters, like a thief
I met led forth, as chaste Diana's gain,*
Vowing the untaught Lad should no relief
From her receive, who gloried in fond pain.
She called him thief; with vows he did maintain
He never stole; butt some slight touch* of grief
Had given to those who did his power disdain,
In which revenge, his honour, was the chief:
She said he murdered, and therefore must die;
He, that he caused but love: did harms deny,
But, while she thus discoursing with him stood
The Nymphs untied him, and his chains took off
Thinking him safe; butt he, loose, made a scoff
Smiling, and scorning them, flew to the wood.
Moved to fol. 32 in P as sonnet 8.[P70]
As Roberts [P70] notes, Love personified as a fugitive is common in sonnets that influenced Wroth. For example, AS 8: 'Love, borne in Greece, of late fled from his native place'; in Greville's Caelica 13 Love is captured by 'his foe Absence'.
'chaste Diana's gain': ie Diana, Goddess of chastity and the hunt, has captured Love/Cupid.
Slight touch' = 'sad slight' in P.
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8.
Poore Loue in chaines, and fetters like a thiefe
I met ledd forth, as chaſt Diana's gaine
Vowing the vntaught Lad ſhould no reliefe
From her receiue, who gloried in fond paine.
She call'd him thiefe, with vowes he did mainetaine
He neuer ſtole, but ſome ſadd ſlight of griefe
Had giuen to thoſe who did his power diſdaine,
In which reuenge his honour was the chiefe.
Shee ſaid he murther'd and therefore muſt dye,
He that he cauſ'd but Loue, did harmes deny,
But while ſhe thus diſcourſing with him ſtood;
The Nymphes vnti'de him and his chaines tooke off,
Thinking him ſafe; but he (looſe) made a ſcoffe,
Smiling and ſcorning them, flew to the wood.
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Sonnet 8.
Poor Love in chains, and fetters, like a thief
I met led forth, as chaste Diana's gain,
Vowing the untaught Lad should no relief
From her receive, who gloried in fond pain.
She called him thief; with vows he did maintain
He never stole; butt some sad slight of grief
Had given to those who did his power disdain,
In which revenge, his honour, was the chief:
She said he murdered, and therefore must die;
He, that he caused but love: did harms deny,
But, while she thus discoursing with him stood
The Nymphs untied him, and his chains took off
Thinking him safe; but he, loose, made a scoff
Smiling, and scorning them, flew to the wood.
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.18.
Wch should I better like of, day, or night
ſince all the day I liue in bitter woe
inioying light more cleere my wrongs to know,
and yett most ſad, feeling in itt all spite;
In night, when darknes doth forbid all light
yett ſee I griefe aparant to the show
follow'd by iealouſie whoſe fond tricks flow,
and on vnconſtant waues of doubt allight,
I can beehold rage cowardly to feede
vpon foule error, wch thes humours breed,
shame, doubt, and feare, yett boldly will thinke ill,
All thes in both I feele, then wch is best
darke to ioy by day, light in night oprest
Leaue both, and end, thes butt each other spill:s̸
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18.
Which should I better like of, day, or night,
Since all the day I live in bitter woe
Enjoying light more clear my wrongs to know,
And yet most sad, feeling in it all spite;
In night, when darkness doth forbid all light
Yet see I grief apparent to the show
Followed by jealousy whose fond tricks flow,
And on unconstant waves of doubt alight,
I can behold rage cowardly to feed
Upon foul error, which these humours breed,
Shame, doubt, and fear, yet boldly will think ill,
All these* in both I feel, then which is best:
Dark to joy by day, light in night oppressed.
Leave both, and end, these but each other spill.
The debate about day vs night may be compared to the theme of sight that runs through the poetry. This sonnet takes up the themes of [P13]. There are similar sets of images related to night in AS, for example sonnet 89:
Now that of absence the most irksome night
With darkest shade doth overcome my day;
Since Stella's eyes, wont to give me my day,
Leaving my hemisphere, leave me in night;
Each day seems long, and longs for long-staid night;
The night, as tedious, woos th' approach of day
'these' = 'those' in P.
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18.
Which ſhould I better like of, day or night?
Since all the day, I liue in bitter woe:
Inioying light more cleere my wrongs to know,
and yet moſt ſad, feeling in it all ſpite.
In night when darkneſſe doth forbid all light;
Yet ſee I griefe apparant to the ſhow,
Follow'd by iealouſie, whoſe fond tricks flow,
And on vnconſtant waues of doubt alight.
I can behold rage cowardly to feede
Vpon foule error, which theſe humors breede,
Shame doubt and feare, yet boldly will thinke ill.
All thoſe in both I feele, then which is beſt
Darke to ioy by day, light in night oppreſt?
Leaue both and end, theſe but each other ſpill.
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18.
Which should I better like of, day, or night,
Since all the day I live in bitter woe
Enjoying light more clear my wrongs to know,
And yet most sad, feeling in it all spite;
In night, when darkness doth forbid all light
Yet see I grief apparent to the show
Followed by jealousy whose fond tricks flow,
And on unconstant waves of doubt alight,
I can behold rage cowardly to feed
Upon foul error, which these humours breed,
Shame, doubt, and fear, yet boldly will think ill,
All those in both I feel, then which is best:
Dark to joy by day, light in night oppressed.
Leave both, and end, these but each other spill.
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Song 3.
Stay, my thoughts, do nott aſpire
to Vaine hopes of high deſire:
ſee you nott all meanes bereft
to inioye? noe hope is left;
yett still mee thinks my thoughts doe ſay
ſome hopes do liue amid diſmay;
Hope, then once more hope for ioy;
bury feare wch ioyes destroy;
thought hath yett ſome comfort giu'ne,
wch dispaire hath from vs driun;
therfor deerly my thoughts cherish
neuer lett ſuch thinking periſh;
'Tis an idle thing to plaine
odder farr to dy for paine,
thinke, and ſee how thoughts do riſe
win̅ing wher ther noe hope lies:
wch alone is louers treaſure
For by thoughts wee loue doe meaſure:
Then kinde thought my phant'ſies guide
lett mee neuer hopeles slide;
still maintaine thy force in mee,
lett my thinking, still bee free:
nor leaue thy might vntill my death
butt lett mee, thinking, yeeld vp breath s̸
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Song 3.
Stay, my thoughts, do not aspire
To vain hopes of high desire:
See you not all means bereft
To enjoy? no hope* is left;
Yet still methinks my thoughts do say
Some hopes do live amid dismay;
Hope, then once more hope for joy;
Bury fear which joys destroy;
Thought hath yet some comfort given,
Which despair hath from us driven;
Therefore dearly my thoughts cherish
Never let such thinking perish;
'Tis an idle thing to plain
Odder far to die for pain,
Think, and see how thoughts do rise
Winning where there no hope lies:
Which alone is lovers' treasure
For by thoughts wee love do measure:
Then kind thought my fancies guide
Let me never hopeless* slide;
Still maintain thy force in me,
Let my* thinking, still bee free:
Nor leave thy might until my death
But let me, thinking, yield up breath.
This song echoes (distantly) some RS songs, especially song 4:
My soul in purest fire
Doth not aspire
To reward of my pain
'hope' = 'joy' in P
'hopeless' = 'hapless' in P
'my'='me' in P
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Song. 3.
Stay my thoughts doe not aſpire,
To vaine hopes of high deſire;
See you not all meanes bereft,
To inioy no ioy is left,
Yet ſtill me thinkes my thoughts doe ſay,
Some hopes doe liue amid diſmay.
Hope then once more, Hope for ioy,
Bury feare which ioyes deſtroy,
Thought hath yet ſome comfort giuen,
Which deſpaire hath from vs driuen:
Therefore deerely my thoughts cheriſh,
Neuer let ſuch thinking periſh.
'Tis an idle thing to plaine,
Odder farre to dye for paine;
Thinke and ſee how thoughts doe riſe,
Winning where there no hope lies;
Which alone is louers treaſure,
For by thoughts we loue doe meaſure.
Then kinde thought my fant'ſie guide,
Let me neuer hapleſſe ſlide;
Still maintaine thy force in me,
Let me thinking ſtill be free;
Nor leaue thy might vntill my death,
But let me thinking yeeld vp breath.
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Song 3.
Stay, my thoughts, do not aspire
To vain hopes of high desire:
See you not all means bereft
To enjoy? no joy is left;
Yet still methinks my thoughts do say
Some hopes do live amid dismay;
Hope, then once more hope for joy;
Bury fear which joys destroy;
Thought hath yet some comfort given,
Which despair hath from us driven;
Therefore dearly my thoughts cherish
Never let such thinking perish;
'Tis an idle thing to plain
Odder far to die for pain,
Think, and see how thoughts do rise
Winning where there no hope lies:
Which alone is lovers' treasure
For by thoughts wee love do measure:
Then kind thought my fancies guide
Let me never hapless slide;
Still maintain thy force in me,
Let me thinking,* still bee free:
Nor leave thy might until my death
But let me, thinking, yield up breath.
'me thinking' as this is changed from 'my thinking' in F, the repeat of the phrase 'me thinking' here and in the last line may be a deliberate emphasis or possibly a transcription error.
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F22 |
F22mod |
P22 |
P22mod |
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.19.
Come darkest night, beecoming ſorrow best;
light; leaue thy light; fitt for a lightſome ſoule;
darknes doth truly ſute wt mee oprest
whom abſence power doth from mirthe controle:
The very trees wt hanging heads condole
ſweet ſommers parting, and of leaues distrest
in dying coulers make a griefe=full role;
ſoe much (alas) to ſorrow are they preſt
Thus of dead leaues her farewell carpett's made;
theyr fall, theyr branches, all theyr mournings proue;
wth leaules, naked bodies, whoſe hueſe vade
from hopefull greene, to wither in theyr loue,
If trees, and leaues for abſence, mourners bee
Noe meruaile yt I grieue, who like want ſee s̸
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19.
Come darkest night, becoming sorrow best;
Light, leave thy light; fit for a lightsome soul;
Darkness doth truly suit with me oppressed,
Whom absence power doth from mirth control:
The very trees with hanging heads condole
Sweet summer's parting, and of leaves distressed
In dying colours make a grief-full role;
So much (alas) to sorrow are they pressed
Thus of dead leaves her farewell carpet's made;
Their fall, their branches, all their mournings prove;
With leafless, naked bodies, whose hues fade*
From hopeful green, to wither in their love,
If trees, and leaves for absence, mourners be,
No marvel that I grieve, who like want see.
'fade': Roberts [P22] glosses Wroth's original 'vade' as meaning decay or become weak, but 'fade' does seem the primary meaning here.
The mirroring of Pamphilia's emotions by the seasons is a commonplace, but it is worth noting RS sonnet 31: 'Forsaken woods, trees with sharp storms oppressed,/Whose leaves once hid the sun, now strew the ground'.
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19.
Come darkeſt Night, becomming ſorrow beſt,
Light leaue thy light, fit for a lightſome ſoule:
Darkneſſe doth truely ſute with me oppreſt,
Whom abſence power doth from mirth controule.
The very trees with hanging heads condole
Sweet Summers parting, and of leaues diſtreſt,
In dying colours make a grief-full role;
So much (alas) to ſorrow are they preſt.
Thus of dead leaues, her farewell carpets made,
Their fall, their branches, all their mournings proue,
With leauleſſe naked bodies, whoſe hues vade
From hopefull greene to wither in their loue.
If trees, and leaues for abſence mourners be,
No maruell that I grieue, who like want ſee.
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19.
Come darkest night, becoming sorrow best;
Light, leave thy light; fit for a lightsome soul;
Darkness doth truly suit with me oppressed,
Whom absence power doth from mirth control:
The very trees with hanging heads condole
Sweet summer's parting, and of leaves distressed
In dying colours make a grief-full role;
So much (alas) to sorrow are they pressed
Thus of dead leaves her farewell carpet's made;
Their fall, their branches, all their mournings prove;
With leafless, naked bodies, whose hues fade
From hopeful green, to wither in their love,
If trees, and leaves for absence, mourners be,
No marvel that I grieve, who like want see.
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F23mod |
P23 |
P23mod |
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.20.
The Sunn wch glads, the earth att his bright ſight
When in the morne hee showes his golden face,
and takes the place from tædious drowſy night
making the world still happy by his grace;
Shewes hapines remaines nott in one place,
nor may the heauens, alone to vs giue light,
butt hide that cheerfull face, though noe long space,
yett long enough for triall of theyr might;
Butt neuer ſunn=ſett could bee ſoe obſcure
no deſart euer haue a shade ſoe ſadd,
nor could black darknes euer proue ſoe badd
as paines wch abſence makes mee now indure;
The miſsing of the ſunn awhile makes night
butt abſence of my ioy ſees neuer Light s̸
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20.
The Sun which glads the earth at his bright sight
When in the morn he shows his golden face,
And takes the place from tedious drowsy night
Making the world still happy by* his grace;
Shows happiness remains not in one place,
Nor may the heavens, alone to us give light,
But hide that cheerful face, though no long space,
Yet long enough for trial of their might;
But never sunset could be so obscure
No desert ever have* a shade so sad,
Nor could black darkness ever prove se bad
As pains which absence makes me now endure;
The missing of the sun awhile makes night,
But absence of my joy sees never Light.
Roberts [P23] notes a range of parallel uses of the sun/night/absence images, including AS 91:
I am from you, light of my life, misled,
And whiles, fair you, my sun, thus overspread
With Absence veil, I live in Sorrow's night;
See also AS 96:
Thought, with good cause thou lik'st so well the night,
Since kind or chance gives both one livery,
Both sadly black, both blackly darkened be;
Night barred from Sun, thou from thy own sunlight;
See also RS 30:
Absence, I cannot say thou hid'st my light
Not darkened, but for ay set is my sun
But in Wroth's case this sonnet becomes more complex when compared with 22 [P25], 'Like to the Indians', which gives the sun a more ambiguous character.
'by' = 'in' in P
'have' = 'had' in P
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20.
The Sunne which glads the earth at his bright ſight,
When in the morne he ſhowes his golden face,
And takes the place from tedious drowſie Night.
Making the world ſtill happy in his grace.
Shewes happineſſe remaines not in one place,
Nor may the Heauens alone to vs giue light,
But hide that cheerefull face, though no long ſpace,
Yet long enough for tryall of their might.
But neuer Sun-ſet could be ſo obſcure,
No Deſart euer had a ſhade ſo ſad:
Nor could black darkneſſe euer proue ſo bad,
As paines which abſence makes me now indure.
The miſſing of the Sunne a while makes Night,
But abſence of my ioy ſees neuer light.
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20.
The Sun which glads the earth at his bright sight
When in the morn he shows his golden face,
And takes the place from tedious drowsy night
Making the world still happy in his grace;
Shows happiness remains not in one place,
Nor may the heavens, alone to us give light,
But hide that cheerful face, though no long space,
Yet long enough for trial of their might;
But never sunset could be so obscure
No desert ever had a shade so sad,
Nor could black darkness ever prove se bad
As pains which absence makes me now endure;
The missing of the sun awhile makes night,
But absence of my joy sees never Light.
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F24 |
F24mod |
P24 |
P24mod |
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21.
When I last ſaw thee, I did nott thee ſee,
itt was thy Image, wch in my thoughts lay
ſoe liuely figur'd, as noe times delay
could ſuffer mee in hart to parted bee;
And sleepe ſoe fauorable is to mee,
as nott to lett thy lou'd remembrance stray,
least that I waking might haue cauſe to ſay
ther was one minute found to forgett thee;
Then ſince my faith is ſuch, ſoe kind my sleepe
that gladly thee preſents into my thought:
and still true louer like thy face doth keepe
ſoe as ſome pleaſure shadowe=like is wrought
Pitty my louing, nay of conſience giue
reward to mee in whom thy ſelf doth liue, s̸
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21.
When I last* saw thee, I did not thee see,
It was thy* Image, which in my thoughts lay
So lively figured, as no time's delay
Could suffer me in heart to parted be;
And sleep so favourable is to me,
As not to let thy loved remembrance stray,
Lest that I waking might have cause to say
There was one minute found to forget thee;
Then since my faith is such, so kind my sleep
That gladly thee presents into my thought:
And still true lover-like thy face doth keep
So as some pleasure shadow-like is wrought,
Pity my loving, nay of conscience give
Reward to me in whom thy self doth live.
Some parallels with AS 32 in which Stella's image appears to Astrophil, and also AS 38:
This night, while sleep begins with heavy wings
To hatch mine eyes, and that unbitted thought
Doth fall to stray, and my chief powers are brought
To leave the sceptre of all subject things;
The first that straight my fancies error brings
Unto my mind is Stella's image, wrought
By Love's own self,
'I last' = 'last I' in P.
'thy' = 'thine' in P
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21.
When laſt I ſaw thee, I did not thee ſee,
It was thine Image which in my thoughts lay
So liuely figur'd, as no times delay
Could ſuffer me in heart to parted be.
And ſleepe ſo fauourable is to me,
As not to let thy lou'd remembrance ſtray:
Leſt that I waking might haue cauſe to ſay,
There was one mnute found to forget thee.
Then, ſince my faith is ſuch, ſo kinde my ſleepe,
That gladly thee preſents into my thought,
And ſtill true Louer-like thy face doth keepe,
So as ſome pleaſure ſhadow-like is wrought.
Pitty my louing, nay of conſcience giue
Reward to me in whom thy ſelfe doth liue.
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21.
When last I saw thee, I did not thee see,
It was thine Image, which in my thoughts lay
So lively figured, as no time's delay
Could suffer me in heart to parted be;
And sleep so favourable is to me,
As not to let thy loved remembrance stray,
Least that I waking might have cause to say
There was one minute found to forget thee;
Then since my faith is such, so kind my sleep
That gladly thee presents into my thought:
And still true lover-like thy face doth keep
So as some pleasure shadow-like is wrought
Pity my loving, nay of conscience give
Reward to me in whom thy self doth live.
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F25 |
F25mod |
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22.
Cupid would needs make mee a louer bee
when I did litle thinke of louing thought
or euer to bee ty'de; till hee told mee
that non can liue, butt to his bands are brought;
I, ignorant, did grant, and ſoe was bought,
and ſolde againe to louers slauerie;
the duty to the god of loue once taught
ſuch band is, as wee will nott ſeeke to free,
Yett when I well did vnderstand his might
how hee inflam'de, and forc'd one to [link: to F25mod-n] affect
I lou'd, and ſmarted, counting itt delight
ſoe still to wast, which reaſon did reiect,
When loue came blindfold, and did chaleng mee
Indeed I lou'd butt wanton boy nott hee. s̸
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22.
Cupid would needs make me a lover be
When I did little think of loving thought
Or ever to be tied; till he told me
That none can live, but to his bands are brought;
I, ignorant, did grant, and so was bought,
And sold again to lover's slavery;
The duty to the god of love once taught
Such band is, as we will not seek to free,
Yet when I well did understand his might
How he enflamed, and forced one to* affect
I loved, and smarted, counting it delight
So still to waste, which reason did reject,
When love came blindfold, and did challenge me.
Indeed I loved but, wanton boy, not he.
Not in P.
In this meditation on Cupid's power, Pamphilia seems especially torn between resistance and submission.
'forced one to': written over words which are crossed out and illegible.
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23.
When euery one to pleaſing pastime hies
ſome hunt, ſome hauke, ſome play, while ſome delight
in ſweet diſcourſe, and muſique ſhowes ioys might
yett I my thoughts doe [link: to F26mod-n] farr aboue thes priſe
The ioy wch I take, is that free from eyes
I ſitt, and wunder att this daylike night
ſoe to dispoſe themſelues, as voyd of right;
and leaue true pleaſure for poore vanities
When others hunt, my thoughts I haue in chaſe;
if hauke, my minde att wished end doth fly,
diſcourſe, I, wt my spiritt tauke, and cry
while others, muſique is theyr greatest grace
O God, ſay I, can thes fond pleaſures moue?
Or muſique bee butt in deere thoughts of loue? s̸
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23.
When every one to pleasing pastime hies
Some hunt, some hawk, some play,* while some delight
In sweet discourse, and music shows joy's might
Yet I my thoughts do* far above these prize
The joy which I take, is that free from eyes
I sit, and wonder at this day-like night
So to dispose themselves, as void of right;
And leave true pleasure for poor vanities
When others hunt, my thoughts I have in chase;
If hawk, my mind at wished end doth fly,
Discourse, I, with my spirit* talk, and cry
While others, music is their* greatest grace.
O God, say I, can these fond pleasures move?
Or music be but in dear* thoughts of love?
'play': probably play cards or a similar game; like hawking and hunting, seen here as vain aristocratic pursuits. Wroth's husband Robert Wroth was especially fond of hunting, a passion he shared with King James, and he had the position of Forester. But while this sonnet may well have an autobiographical cast, Mary Wroth took part in courtly pastimes herself, notably dancing in masques arranged by Queen Anne.
'do': written over top of 'did'.
'spirit': here meaning something like Soul, with a sense of the essence of oneself.
'is their' = 'choose as' in P.
'dear' = 'sweet' in P.
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23.
When euery one to pleaſing paſtime hies,
Some hunt, ſome hauke, ſome play while ſome delight
In ſweet diſcourſe, and muſicke ſhewes ioyes might:
Yet I my thoughts doe farre aboue theſe prize.
The ioy which I take is, that free from eyes
I ſit and wonder at this day-like night,
So to diſpoſe themſelues as void of right,
And leaue true pleaſure for poore vanities.
When others hunt, my thoughts I haue in chaſe;
If hauke, my minde at wiſhed end doth flye:
Diſcourſe, I with my ſpirit talke and cry;
While others muſicke chooſe as greateſt grace.
O God ſay I, can theſe fond pleaſures moue,
Or muſicke bee but in ſweet thoughts of Loue?
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23.
When every one to pleasing pastime hies
Some hunt, some hawk, some play, while some delight
In sweet discourse, and music shows joy's might
Yet I my thoughts do far above these prize
The joy which I take, is that free from eyes
I sit, and wonder at this day-like night
So to dispose themselves, as void of right;
And leave true pleasure for poor vanities
When others hunt, my thoughts I have in chase;
If hawk, my mind at wished end doth fly,
Discourse, I, with my spirit talk, and cry
While others, music choose as greatest grace.
O God, say I, can these fond pleasures move?
Or music be but in sweet thoughts of love?
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F27 |
F27mod |
P27 |
P27mod |
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24.
Once did I heere an aged father ſay
vnto his ſonn who wt attention hears.
what age, and wiſe experience euer clears
from doubts of feare, or reaſon to betray,
My Sonn sayd hee, beehold thy father, gray,
I once had as thou hast, fresh tender years,
and like thee sported, destitude of feares
butt my young faults made mee too ſoone decay;
Loue once I did, and like thee fear'd my loue,
led by the hatefull thread of Ielouſy,
striuing to keepe, I lost my liberty,
and gain'd my griefe wch still my ſorrowes moue,
In time shunn this; To loue is noe offence
butt doubt in youth, in age breeds penitence; s̸
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24.
Once did I hear an aged father say
Unto his son who with attention hears
What age and wise experience ever clears
From doubts of fear, or reason to betray,
'My Son,' said he, 'behold thy father, grey:
I once had as thou hast, fresh tender years,
And like thee sported, destitute of fears,
But my young faults made me too soon decay;
Love once I did, and like thee feared my love,
Led by the hateful thread of jealousy,
Striving to keep, I lost my liberty,
And gained my grief which still my sorrows move.
In time shun this; to love is no offence
But doubt in youth, in age breeds penitence.'
The discussion between youth and age is a perennial theme. Roberts [P27] compares this sonnet to an eclogue between Geron and Histor, from Philip Sidney's Old Arcadia.
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24.
Once did I heare an aged father ſay
Vnto his ſonne, who with attention heares
What Age and wiſe experience euer cleares
From doubts of feare, or reaſon to betray.
My ſonne (ſaid hee) behold thy father gray,
I once had as thou haſt, freſh tender yeares,
And like thee ſported deſtitute of feares;
But my young faults made me too ſoone decay.
Loue once I did, and like thee, fear'd my Loue,
Led by the hatefull threed of Iealouſie,
Striuing to keepe, I loſt my liberty,
And gain'd my griefe, which ſtill my ſorrowes moue.
In time ſhun this, to loue is no offence,
But doubt in Youth, in Age, breeds penitence.
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24.
Once did I hear an aged father say
Unto his son who with attention hears
What age, and wise experience ever clears
From doubts of fear, or reason to betray,
'My Son,' said he, 'behold thy father, grey:
I once had as thou hast, fresh tender years,
And like thee sported, destitute of fears,
But my young faults made me too soon decay;
Love once I did, and like thee feared my love,
Led by the hateful thread of jealousy,
Striving to keep, I lost my liberty,
And gained my grief which still my sorrows move.
In time shun this; to love is no offence
But doubt in youth, in age breeds penitence.'
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F28mod |
P28 |
P28mod |
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Song 4.
Sweetest loue returne againe
make nott to long stay.
killing mirthe, and forceing paine
ſorrow leading way:
lett vs nott thus parted bee
loue, and abſence ne're agree;
Butt ſince you must needs depart,
and mee haples leaue,
in your iourney take my hart
wch will nott deſeaue
yors itt is, to you itt flyes
ioying in thoſe loued eyes,
Soe in part, wee shall nott part
though wee abſent bee;
time, nor place, nor greatest ſmart
shall my bands make free
ty'de I ame, yett thinke itt gaine;
in ſuch knotts I feele noe paine.
Butt can I liue hauing lost
chiefest part of mee
hart is fled, and ſight is crost
theſe my fortunes bee
yett deere hart goe, ſoone returne
as good there, as heere to burne s̸
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Song 4.
Sweetest love return again
Make not too long stay.
Killing mirth, and forcing pain
Sorrow leading way:
Let us not thus parted be
Love, and absence ne'er agree;
But since you must needs* depart,
And me hapless leave,
In your journey take my heart
Which will not deceive
Yours it is, to you it flies
Joying in those loved eyes,
So in part, we shall not part
Though we absent be;
Time, nor place, nor greatest smart
Shall my bands make free
Tied I am, yet think it gain;
In such knots I feel no pain.
But can I live having lost
Chiefest part of me
Heart is fled, and sight is crossed
These my fortunes be
Yet dear heart go, soon return
As good there, as here to burn.
Roberts [P28] notes similarities between this song and Donne's 'Sweetest Love I do not go/For weariness of thee'. Indeed it could be read as an answer to Donne's rationalisation of his departure, spoken by the woman left behind.
'needs' = 'now' in P.
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Song. 4.
Sweeteſt Loue returne againe,
Make not too long ſtay;
Killing mirth and forcing paine;
Sorrow leading way:
Let vs not thus parted be,
Loue, and abſence nere agree.
But ſince you muſt needs depart,
And me hapleſſe leaue;
In your iourney take my heart,
Which will not deceiue:
Yours it is, to you it flies,
Ioying in thoſe loued eyes.
So in part we ſhall not part,
Though we abſent be,
Tyme, nor place, nor greateſt ſmart,
Shall my bands make free:
Tyed I am, yet thinke it gaine,
In ſuch knots I feele no paine.
But can I liue, hauing loſt
Chiefeſt part of me?
Heart is fled, and ſight is croſt,
Theſe my fortunes be:
Yet deare heart goe, ſoone returne,
As good there as heere to burne.
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Song 4.
Sweetest love return again
Make not too long stay.
Killing mirth, and forcing pain
Sorrow leading way:
Let us not thus parted be
Love, and absence ne'er agree;
But since you must now depart,
And me hapless leave,
In your journey take my heart
Which will not deceive
Yours it is, to you it flies
Joying in those loved eyes,
So in part, we shall not part
Though we absent be;
Time, nor place, nor greatest smart
Shall my bands make free
Tied I am, yet think it gain;
In such knots I feel no pain.
But can I live having lost
Chiefest part of me
Heart is fled, and sight is crossed
These my fortunes be
Yet dear heart go, soon return
As good there, as here to burn.
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F29 |
F29mod |
P29 |
P29mod |
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25.
Poore eyes bee blind, the light behold noe more
ſince that is gon wch is your deere delight
rauish'd from you by greater powre, and might
making yor loſs a gaine to others store,
O'reflowe, and drowne, till ſight to you restore
that bleſsed star, and as in hatefull spite
ſend forth your teares in flouds, to kill all ſight,
and looks, that lost, wherin you ioy'd before.
Bury thoſe beames, wch in ſome kindled fires,
and conquer'd haue theyr loue=burnt=harts deſires
looſing, and yett noe gaine by you esteem'd,
Till that bright starr doe once againe apeere
brighter then Mars when hee doth shine most cleere
ſee nott: then by his might bee you redeem'd s̸
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25.
Poor eyes be blind, the light behold no more
Since that is gone which is your dear delight,
Ravished from you by greater power, and might,
Making your loss a gain to others' store,
O'erflow, and drown, till sight to you restore
That blessed star, and as in hateful spite
Send forth your tears in floods, to kill all sight,
And looks, that lost, wherein you joyed before.
Bury those* beams, which in some kindled fires,
And conquered have their love-burnt hearts' desires
Losing, and yet no gain by you esteemed,
Till that bright star do once again appear
Brighter than Mars when he doth shine most clear
See not: then by his might be you redeemed.
Another sonnet which plays with images of sight and blindness, again reminiscent of many sonnets in the Petrarchan tradition, including a number from AS and from RS (for example, the 'pleased but cursed eyes' in RS sonnet 16).
'those' = 'these' in P.
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25.
Poore eyes bee blinde, the light behold no more,
Since that is gone which is your deare delight:
Rauiſh'd from you by greater power and might,
Making your loſſe a gaine to others ſtore.
Oreflow and drowne, till ſight to you reſtore
That bleſſed Starre, and as in hatefull ſpight,
Send forth your teares in flouds to kill all ſight,
And lookes, that loſt wherein you ioy'd before.
Bury theſe beames which in ſome kindled fires,
And conquer'd haue their loue-burnt hearts deſires,
Loſing, and yet no gaine by you eſteem'd;
Till that bright Starre doe once againe appeare,
Brighter then Mars when hee doth ſhine moſt cleare;
See not then by his might be you redeem'd.
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25.
Poor eyes be blind, the light behold no more
Since that is gone which is your dear delight
Ravished from you by greater power, and might,
Making your loss a gain to others' store,
O'erflow, and drown, till sight to you restore
That blessed star, and as in hateful spite
Send forth your tears in floods, to kill all sight,
And looks, that lost, wherein you joyed before.
Bury these beams, which in some kindled fires,
And conquered have their love-burnt hearts' desires
Losing, and yet no gain by you esteemed,
Till that bright star do once again appear
Brighter than Mars when he doth shine most clear
See not: then by his might bee you redeemed.
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F30mod |
P65 |
P65mod |
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26.
Most bleſsed Night, the happy time for loue,
the shade for Louers and theyr loues delight,
the Raigne of Venus' ſeruants, free from spite,
the hopefull ſeaſon, for ioy's sports to moue;
Now hast thou made thy glory higher proue
then did the God, whoſe pleaſant reede did ſmite
all Argus eyes into a deathlike night
till they were ſafe, that loue could non reproue,
Butt thou hast cloſ'd thoſe eyes from priing ſight
that nourish iealouſie more then ioyes right
while Vaine ſuspition fosters theyr mistrust,
Making ſweet sleepe to master all ſuspect
wch els theyr priuatt feares would nott neglect
butt would imbrace both blinded, and vniust s̸
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26.
Most blessed Night, the happy time for love,
The shade for Lovers and their love's delight,
The reign of Venus'* servants, free from spite,
The hopeful season,* for joy's sports to move;
Now hast thou made thy glory higher prove
Than did the God, whose pleasant reed* did smite
All Argus' eyes into a deathlike night
Till they were safe, that love could none* reprove,
But* thou hast closed those eyes from prying sight
That nourish jealousy more than joy's right
While vain suspicion fosters their mistrust,
Making sweet sleep to master all suspect
Which else their private fears would not neglect
But would embrace both blinded, and unjust.
This sonnet is yet another variation on the theme of eyes, blindness and night, but in this case, night, sleep and blindness pave the way for love and the fulfilment of desire. Roberts [P65] notes an analogous reference to Argus' eyes in AS Song 11.
Moved in P to fol. 30 as sonnet 3 [P65].
'Venus' ' = 'Love for' in P.
'season' = seasons' in P.
'reed': the reed is the pan pipe played by Mercury to lull Argus, who had a thousand eyes, to sleep so that he might be killed. Argus was guarding Io, who was loved by Jupiter, but was turned into a cow by Jupiter's jealous wife Juno.
'love could none' = 'none could love' in P.
'But' = 'now' in P.
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3.
Moſt bleſſed night, the happy time for Loue,
The ſhade for Louers, and their Loues delight,
The raigne of Loue for ſeruants free from ſpight,
The hopefull ſeaſons for ioyes ſports to mooue.
Now haſt thou made thy glory higher prooue,
Then did the God, whoſe pleaſant Reede did ſmite
All Argus eyes into a death-like night,
Till they were ſafe, that none could Loue reprooue.
Now thou haſt cloaſd thoſe eyes from prying ſight
That nouriſh Iealouſie, more than ioyes right,
While vaine Suſpition foſters their miſtruſt,
Making ſweet ſleepe to maſter all ſuſpect,
Which els their priuate feares would not neglect,
But would embrace both blinded, and vniuſt.
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Sonnet 3
Most blessed Night, the happy time for love,
The shade for Lovers and their love's delight,
The reign of Love for servants, free from spite,
The hopeful seasons for joy's sports to move;
Now hast thou made thy glory higher prove
Than did the God, whose pleasant reed did smite
All Argus' eyes into a deathlike night
Till they were safe, that love none could reprove,
Now thou hast closed those eyes from prying sight
That nourish jealousy more than joy's right
While vain suspicion fosters their mistrust,
Making sweet sleep to master all suspect
Which else their private fears would not neglect
But would embrace both blinded, and unjust.
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27.
Fy treacherous Hope, why doe you still rebell?
is itt nott yett enough you flatterd mee?
butt cuningly you ſeeke to vſe a spell
how to beetray, must thes your trophies bee?
I look'd from you farr ſweeter fruite to ſee
butt blasted were your bloſsoms when they fell,
and thoſe delights expected late from thee
wither'd, and dead, and what ſeem'd bliſs proues Hell.
Noe towne was wunn by a more plotted slight
then I by you, who may my fortune write
in embers of that fire wch ruind mee,
Thus Hope, your faulshood calls you to bee tride
you're loth I ſee the triall to abide
proue true att last, and I will ſett thee free s̸
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27.
Fie treacherous* Hope, why do you still rebel?
Is it not yet enough you flattered me?
But cunningly you seek to use a spell
How to betray, must these your trophies be?
I looked from you far sweeter fruit to see
But blasted were your blossoms when they fell,
And those delights expected late from thee*
Withered, and dead, and what seemed bliss proves Hell.
No town was won by a more plotted slight
Than I by you, who may my fortune write
In embers of that fire which ruined me,
Thus Hope, your falsehood calls you to be tried
You're loath, I see, the trial to abide;
Prove true at last, and I will set thee free.*
The personification of Hope mirrors AS 67: 'Hope, art thou true, or dost thou flatter me?'. But Wroth's sonnet is more complex, offering a paradox: that Hope will be set free if proven true in a trial which puns on trying something out and a legal trial - a sense strengthened in the revised final phrase for P, which reads 'gain your liberty', rather than 'I will set thee free'.
'treacherous' = 'tedious' in P.
'Late from thee' = 'from hands free' in P.
'I will set thee free' = ''gain your liberty' in P.
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27.
Fie tedious Hope, why doe you ſtill rebell?
Is it not yet enough you flatter'd me,
But cunningly you ſeeke to vſe a Spell
How to betray; muſt theſe your Trophees bee?
I look'd from you farre ſweeter fruite to ſee,
But blaſted were your bloſſomes when they fell:
And thoſe delights expected from hands free,
Wither'd and dead, and what ſeemd bliſſe proues hell.
No Towne was won by a more plotted ſlight,
Then I by you, who may my fortune write,
In embers of that fire which ruin'd me:
Thus Hope your falſhood calls you to be tryde,
You'r loth, I ſee, the tryall to abide;
Proue true at laſt, and gaine your liberty.
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27.
Fie tedious Hope, why do you still rebel?
Is it not yet enough you flattered me?
But cunningly you seek to use a spell
How to betray, must these your trophies be?
I looked from you far sweeter fruit to see
But blasted were your blossoms when they fell,
And those delights expected from hands free
Withered, and dead, and what seemed bliss proves Hell.
No town was won by a more plotted slight
Than I by you, who may my fortune write
In embers of that fire which ruined me,
Thus Hope, your falsehood calls you to be tried
You're loath, I see, the trial to abide;
Prove true at last, and gain your liberty.
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28.
Griefe, killing griefe; haue nott my torments bin̅
allreddy great, and strong enough: butt still
thou dost increaſe, nay glory in my ill,
and woes new past affresh new woes beegin̅!
Am I the only purchaſe you can winn?
was I ordain'd to giue dispaire her fill
or fittest I should mounte misfortunes hill
who in the plaine of ioy can=nott liue in?
If itt bee ſoe: Griefe come as wellcome ghest
ſince I must ſuffer, for an others rest:
yett this good griefe, lett mee intreat of thee,
Vſe still thy force, butt nott from thoſe I loue
lett mee all paines, and lasting torments proue
ſoe I miſs thes, lay all thy waits on mee s̸
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28
Grief, killing grief, have not my torments been
Already great, and strong enough, but still
Thou dost increase, nay glory in my* ill,
And woes new past, afresh new woes begin!
Am I the only purchase you can* win?
Was I ordained to give despair her fill
Or fittest I should mount misfortune's hill
Who in the plain of joy cannot live in?*
If it be so, grief come as welcome guest
Since I must suffer, for another's rest:
Yet this good grief, let me entreat of thee,
Use still thy force, but not from those I love
Let me all pains, and lasting torments prove
So I miss these, lay all thy weights on me.
Roberts [P32] cites a parallel with AS 94:
Grief, find the words; for thou hast made my brain
So dark with misty vapours, which arise
From out thy heavy mould, that inbent eyes
Can scarce discern the shape of mine own pain.
'my' = 'mine' in P.
'you can' = thou canst' in P.
'in the plain of joy cannot live in': the repetition of 'in' seems awkward but perhaps emphasises the emotional rejection of the possibility of living within the 'plain' of joy.
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28.
Griefe, killing griefe, haue not my torments beene
Already great and ſtrong enough? but ſtill
Thou doſt increaſe, nay glory in mine il,
And woes new paſt, afreſh new woes begin?
Am I the onely purchaſe thou canſt win?
Was I ordain'd to giue deſpaire her fill,
Or fitteſt I ſhould mount misfortunes hill,
Who in the plaine of ioy cannot liue in?
If it be ſo, Griefe come as welcome gueſt,
Since I muſt ſuffer for anothers reſt;
Yet this (good Griefe) let me intreat of thee,
Vſe ſtill thy force, but not from thoſe I loue
Let me all paines and laſting torments proue;
So I miſſe theſe, lay all thy waights on me.
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28.
Grief, killing grief, have not my torments been
Already great, and strong enough, but still
Thou dost increase, nay glory in mine ill,
And woes new past, afresh new woes begin!
Am I the only purchase thou canst win?
Was I ordained to give despair her fill
Or fittest I should mount misfortune's hill
Who in the plain of joy cannot live in?
If it be so, grief come as welcome guest
Since I must suffer, for another's rest:
Yet this good grief, let me entreat of thee,
Use still thy force, but not from those I love
Let me all pains, and lasting torments prove
So I miss these, lay all thy weights on me.
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29.
Fly hence o!, ioy noe longer heere abide
to great thy pleaſures ar, for my dispaire
to looke on, loſses now must proue my fare
who nott long ſince, on better foode relide;
Butt foole, how oft had I heauns changing spide
beefore of my owne fate I could take care,
yett now past time, too late I can beeware
now nothing's left butt ſorrowes faster tyde;
While I inioy'd that ſunn whoſe ſight did lend
mee ioy, I thought, that day, could haue noe end
butt o! a night came cloth'd in abſence darke,
Abſence more ſad, more bitter then is gall
or death, when on true louers itt doth fall
whoſe fires of loue, diſdaineth rests poore sparke s̸
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29.
Fly hence, O joy, no longer here abide,
Too great thy pleasures are for my despair
To look on, losses now must prove my fare
Who not long since, on better food relied;
But fool, how oft had I heaven's changing spied
Before of my* own fate I could take* care,
Yet now past time, too late I can* beware
Now* nothing's left but sorrow's faster tide;
While I enjoyed that sun whose sight did lend
Me joy, I thought that day could have no end
But oh!* a night came clothed in absence dark,
Absence more sad, more bitter then is gall
Or death, when on true lovers it doth fall
Whose fires of love, disdaineth* rest's poor* spark.
'my' = 'mine' in P
'take' = 'have' in P.
'too late I can' = 'I can too late' in P
'now' = 'when' in P.
'oh' = 'soon' in P.
'disdaineth' = 'disdain' in P.
'poor' = 'poorer' in P. P's 'whose fires of love disdain rests poorer spark' makes more sense than F's 'disdaineth' and 'poor' although in both cases the sense is rather difficult: something like 'absence is worse than anything for true lovers who, burning with desire/love, disdain the feebler pleasure of rest'.
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29.
Flye hence, O Ioy, no longer heere abide,
Too great thy pleaſures are for my deſpaire
To looke on, loſſes now muſt proue my fare;
Who not long ſince on better foode relide.
But foole, how oft had I Heau'ns changing ſpi'de
Before of mine owne fate I could haue care:
Yet now paſt time I can too late beware,
When nothings left but ſorrowes faſter ty'de.
While I enioyd that Sunne, whoſe ſight did lend
Me ioy, I thought that day could haue no end:
But ſoone a night came cloath'd in abſence darke;
Abſence more ſad, more bitter then is gall,
Or death, when on true Louers it doth fall;
Whoſe fires of loue, diſdaine reaſts poorer ſparke.
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29.
Fly hence, O joy, no longer here abide,
Too great thy pleasures are for my despair
To look on, losses now must prove my fare
Who not long since, on better food relied;
But fool, how oft had I heaven's changing spied
Before of mine own fate I could have care,
Yet now past time, I can too late beware
When nothing's left but sorrow's faster tide;
While I enjoyed that sun whose sight did lend
Me joy, I thought that day could have no end
But soon a night came clothed in absence dark,
Absence more sad, more bitter then is gall
Or death, when on true lovers it doth fall
Whose fires of love, disdain rest's poorer spark.
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30.
You bleſsed shades, wch giue mee ſilent rest,
wittnes butt this when death hath cloſ'd mine eyes,
and ſeparated mee from earthly ties,
beeing from hence to higher place adrest;
How oft in you I haue laine heere oprest,
and haue my miſeries in woefull cries
deliuer'd forth, mounting vp to the skies
yett helples back returnd to wound my brest,
Wch wounds did butt striue how, to breed more harme
to mee, who, can bee cur'de by noe one charme
butt that of loue, wch yett may mee releeue
If nott, lett death my former paines redeeme,
and you my, trusty freinds, my faith esteeme
and wittnes I well could loue, who ſoe could greeue s̸
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30.
You blessed shades, which give me silent rest,
Witness but this when death hath closed mine eyes,
And separated me from earthly ties,
Being from hence to higher place addressed;
How oft in you I have lain here oppressed
And have my miseries in woeful cries
Delivered forth, mounting up to the skies
Yet helpless back returned to wound my breast,
Which wounds did but strive how to breed more harm
To me, who can be cured by no one charm
But that of love, which yet may me relieve.
If not, let death my former pains redeem,
And you my trusty friends, my faith esteem*
And witness I [well]* could love, who so could grieve.
Roberts [P34] notes a parallel at the end of RS Song 19:
Mortal in love are joy and pleasure,
The fading frame wherein love moves,
But grief and anguish are the measure
That do immortalise our loves.
'and you...esteem' = 'my trusty friends, my faith untouched esteem' in P.
'[well]': crossed through once in the manuscript, deleted in P.
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30.
You bleſſed ſhades, which giue me ſilent reſt,
Witnes but this when death hath clos'd mine eyes,
And ſeparated me from earthly tyes;
Being from hence to higher places adreſt.
How oft in you I haue laine heere oppreſt?
And haue my miſeries in wofull cryes
Deliuer'd forth, mounting vp to the Skyes?
Yet helpleſſe, backe return'd to wound my breſt.
Which wounds did but ſtriue how to breed more harm
To me, who can be cur'd by no one charme
But that of Loue, which yet may me releeue;
If not, let Death my former paines redeeme,
My truſty friends, my faith vntouch'd, eſteeme,
And witneſle I could loue, who ſo could grieue.
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30.
You blessed shades, which give me silent rest,
Witness but this when death hath closed mine eyes,
And separated me from earthly ties,
Being from hence to higher place addressed;
How oft in you I have lain here oppressed
And have my miseries in woeful cries
Delivered forth, mounting up to the skies
Yet helpless back returned to wound my breast,
Which wounds did but strive how to breed more harm
To me, who can be cured by no one charm
But that of love, which yet may me relieve.
If not, let death my former pains redeem,
My trusty friends, my faith untouched esteem,
And witness I could love, who so could grieve.
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Song 5.
Time only cauſe of my vnrest
by whom I hop'd once to bee blest
how cruell art thou turned?
That first gau'st lyfe vnto my loue,
and still a pleaſure nott to moue
or chang though euer burned;
Haue I thee slack'd, or left vndun
one louing rite, and ſoe haue wunn
thy rage or bitter changing?
That now noe minute I shall ſee,
wherin I may least happy bee
thy fauor ſoe estranging.
Blame thy ſelf, and nott my folly,
time gaue time butt to bee holly;
true loue ſuch ends best loueth,
Vnworthy loue doth ſeeke for ends
a worthy loue butt worth pretends
nor other thoughts itt proueth:
Then stay thy ſwiftnes cruell time,
and lett mee once more bleſsed clime
to ioy, that I may prayſe thee
Lett mee pleaſure ſweetly tasting
ioy in loue, and faith nott wasting,
and on fames wings I'le rayſe thee:
Neuer shall thy glory dying
bee vntill thine owne vntying
that time noe longer liueth;
T'is a gaine ſuch tyme to lend;
ſince ſoe thy fame shall neuer end
Butt ioy for what she giueth s̸
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Song 5
Time only cause of my unrest
By whom I hoped once to be blessed
How cruel art thou turned?
That first gavest life unto my love,
And still a pleasure not to move
Or change, though ever burned;
Have I thee slacked, or left undone
One loving rite, and so have won
Thy rage or bitter changing?
That now no minute* I shall see,
Wherein I may least happy be
Thy favour* so estranging.
Blame thyself, and not my folly,
Time gave time but to be holy;
True love such ends best loveth,
Unworthy love doth seek for ends
A worthy love but worth pretends
Nor other thoughts it proveth:
Then stay thy swiftness cruel time,
And let me once more blessed climb
To joy, that I may praise thee.
Let me pleasure sweetly tasting
Joy in love, and faith not wasting,
And on fame's wings I'll raise thee:
Never shall thy glory dying
Be until thine own untying
That time no longer liveth;
'Tis a gain such time to lend;
Since so thy fame shall never end
But joy for what she giveth.
'minute' = 'minutes' in P.
'favour' = 'favours' in P.
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Song. 5.
Time onely cauſe of my vnreſt,
[transcription note: indented by large first letter]By whom I hop'd once to be bleſt,
How cruell art thou turn'd?
That firſt gau'ſt life vnto my loue,
And ſtill a pleaſure not to moue,
Or change, though euer burn'd.
Haue I thee ſlack'd, or left vndone
One louing rite, and ſo haue wonne,
Thy rage, or bitter changing?
That now no minutes I ſhall ſee,
Wherein I may leaſt happy be,
Thy fauours ſo eſtranging.
Blame thy ſelfe and not my folly,
Time gaue time but to be holy,
True Loue ſuch ends beſt loueth:
Vnworthy Loue doth ſeeke for ends,
A worthy Loue, but worth pretends;
Nor other thoughts it proueth.
Then ſtay thy ſwiftnes cruell Time,
And let me once more bleſſed clime
to ioy, that I may praiſe thee:
Let me pleaſure ſweetly taſting,
Ioy in Loue, and faith not waſting,
and on Fames wings Ile raiſe thee.
Neuer ſhall thy glory dying,
Bee vntill thine owne vntying,
that Tyme no longer liueth,
'Tis a gaine ſuch time to lend,
Since ſo thy fame ſhall neuer end,
But ioy for ſhe giueth.
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Song 5
Time only cause of my unrest
By whom I hoped once to be blessed
How cruel art thou turned?
That first gavest life unto my love,
And still a pleasure not to move
Or change, though ever burned;
Have I thee slacked, or left undone
One loving rite, and so have won
Thy rage or bitter changing?
That now no minutes I shall see,
Wherein I may least happy be
Thy favours so estranging.
Blame thy self, and not my folly,
Time gave time but to be holy;
True love such ends best loveth,
Unworthy love doth seek for ends
A worthy love but worth pretends
Nor other thoughts it proveth:
Then stay thy swiftness cruel time,
And let me once more blessed climb
To joy, that I may praise thee.
Let me pleasure sweetly tasting
Joy in love, and faith not wasting,
And on fame's wings I'll raise thee:
Never shall thy glory dying
Be until thine own untying
That time no longer liveth;
'Tis a gain such time to lend;
Since so thy fame shall never end
But joy for what she giveth.
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31.
After long trouble in a tædious way
of loues vnrest, lay'd downe to eaſe my paine
hopeing for rest, new torments I did gaine
poſseſsing mee as if I ought t'obay:
When Fortune came, though blinded, yett did stay,
and in her bleſsed armes did mee inchaine;
I, colde wth griefe, thought noe warmth to obtaine
or to diſsolue that ice of ioyes decay;
Till, riſe ſayd she, Venus to thee doth ſend
by mee the ſeruante of true louers, ioy
ba̅n̅ish all clowds of doubt, all feares destroy,
and now on Fortune, and on Loue depend
I, her obay'd, and riſing felt that loue
Indeed was best, when I did least itt moue s̸.
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31.
After long trouble in a tedious way
Of love's unrest, laid down to ease my pain,
Hoping for rest, new torments I did gain
Possessing me as if I ought t'obey:
When Fortune came, though blinded, yet did stay,
And in her blessed arms did me enchain;
I, cold with grief, thought no warmth to obtain
Or to dissolve that ice of joy's decay;
Till, 'Rise,' said she, 'Venus* to thee doth send
By me, the servant of true lovers, joy:
Banish all clouds of doubt, all fears destroy,
And now on Fortune, and on Love, depend.'
I her obeyed, and rising felt that love
Indeed was best, when I did least it move.
In this interesting variation on the Petrarchan images of hot/cold, pain/pleasure, entrapment/freedom, Wroth has her speaker embrace love's chain, and joy in her suffering when she becomes a willing captive.
'Venus' = 'Reward' in P.
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31.
After long trouble in a tedious way,
Of Loues vnreſt, laid downe to eaſe my paine,
Hoping for reſt, new torments I did gaine
Poſſeſſing me, as if I ought t'obey.
When Fortune came, though blinded, yet did ſtay,
And in her bleſſed armes did me inchaine:
I, cold with griefe, thought no warmth to obtaine,
Or to diſſolue that yce of ioyes decay.
Till riſe (ſaid ſhe) Reward to thee doth ſend
By me the ſeruant of true Louers ioy:
Banniſh all clouds of doubt, all feares deſtroy;
And now on Fortune, and on Loue depend.
I her obey'd, and riſing felt that Loue
Indeed was beſt, when I did leaſt it moue.
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31.
After long trouble in a tedious way
Of love's unrest, laid down to ease my pain,
Hoping for rest, new torments I did gain
Possessing me as if I ought t'obey:
When Fortune came, though blinded, yet did stay,
And in her blessed arms did me enchain;
I, cold with grief, thought no warmth to obtain
Or to dissolve that ice of joy's decay;
Till, 'Rise,' said she, 'Reward to thee doth send
By me, the servant of true lovers, joy:
Banish all clouds of doubt, all fears destroy,
And now on Fortune, and on Love, depend.'
I her obeyed, and rising felt that love
Indeed was best, when I did least it move.
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32.
How fast thou fliest, O Time, on loues ſwift wings
To hopes of ioy, that flatters our deſire
wch to a louer, still, contentment brings!
yett, when wee should inioy thou dost retire
Thou stay'st thy pace faulſe time from our deſire,
When to our ill thou hast'st wt Eagles wings,
slowe, only to make vs ſee thy retire
was for dispayre, and harme, wch ſorrowe brings;
O! slacke thy paſe, and milder paſs to loue
bee like the Bee, whoſe wings she doth butt vſe
to bring home profitt; masters good to proue
laden, and weary, yett againe purſues,
Soe lade thy ſelf wth honnye of ſought ioye,
And doe nott mee the Hiue of loue destroy s̸
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32.
How fast thou fliest, O Time, on love's swift wings
To hopes of joy, that flatters our desire
Which to a lover, still, contentment brings!
Yet, when we should enjoy, thou dost retire.
Thou stayest thy pace, false time, from our desire,
When to our ill thou hast'st with Eagle's wings,
Slow, only to make us see thy retire
Was for despair, and harm, which sorrow brings;
O! slack thy pace, and milder pass to love
Be like the bee, whose wings she doth but use
To bring home profit, masters good to prove
Laden, and weary, yet again pursues,
So lade thyself with honey of sought* joy
And do not me the hive of love destroy.
'sought' = 'sweet' in P.
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32.
How faſt thou flieſt, O Time, on Loues ſwift wings,
To hopes of ioy, that flatters our deſire:
Which to a Louer ſtill contentment brings;
Yet when we ſhould inioy, thou doſt retire.
Thou ſtay'ſt thy pace (falſe Time) from our deſire
When to our ill thou haſt'ſt with Eagles wings:
Slow only to make vs ſee thy retire
Was for Deſpaire, and harme, which ſorrowe brings.
O ſlake thy pace, and milder paſſe to Loue,
Be like the Bee, whoſe wings ſhe doth but vſe
To bring home profit; maſters good to proue,
Laden, and weary, yet againe purſues.
So lade thy ſelfe with hony of ſweet ioy,
And do not me (the Hiue of Loue) deſtroy.
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32.
How fast thou fliest, O Time, on love's swift wings
To hopes of joy, that flatters our desire
Which to a lover, still, contentment brings!
Yet, when we should enjoy, thou dost retire.
Thou stayest thy pace, false time, from our desire,
When to our ill thou hast'st with Eagle's wings,
Slow, only to make us see thy retire
Was for despair, and harm, which sorrow brings;
O! slack thy pace, and milder pass to love
Be like the bee, whose wings she doth but use
To bring home profit, masters good to prove
Laden, and weary, yet again pursues,
So lade thyself with honey of sweet joy
And do not me the hive of love destroy.
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P38mod |
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33.
How many eyes hast thou poore Loue to guard
thee, from thy most deſired wish, and end
is itt becauſe ſome ſay thou' art blind, that bard
from ſight, thou should'st noe hapines attend?
Who blame thee ſoe, ſmale iustice can pretend
since 'twixt thee, and ye ſunn noe question hard
can bee, his ſight butt outward, thou canst bend
the hart, and guide itt freely; thus vnbard
Art thou, while wee both blind, and bold thus dare
accuſe thee of the harmes, our ſelues should find
who led wth folly, and by rashnes blind
thy ſacred powre, doe wt a childs compare
Yett Loue this boldnes pardon: for admire
thee ſure wee must, or bee borne wthout fire s̸
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33.
How many eyes hast thou, poor Love,* to guard
Thee from thy most desired wish, and end?
Is it because some say thou' art blind, that barred
From sight, thou should'st no happiness attend?
Who blame thee so, small* justice can pretend,
Since 'twixt thee, and the sun no question hard
Can be, his sight but outward, thou canst bend
The heart, and guide it freely; thus unbarred
Art thou, while we both blind and bold thus* dare
Accuse thee of the harms, ourselves should find
Who led with folly, and by rashness blind,
Thy sacred power do with a child's compare
Yet Love this boldness pardon: for admire
Thee sure we must, or be born without fire.
This sonnet plays a particularly elaborate game with the idea of love/Cupid's blindness and the trials of desire. There is also a central paradox about the depiction of love as Cupid, a child, when the effects of desire are so powerful. Lovers themselves are grateful that they are born with 'fire', even if that subjects them to Cupid's power.
'hast thou, poor Love': = 'poor Love hast thou' in P.
'thus' = 'oft' in P; a good example of Wroth's painstaking revision.
'small': Wroth's 'smale' was in use for 'small' at the time she wrote, though would already have been a bit old fashioned.
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33.
How many eyes (poore Loue) haſt thou to guard
Thee from thy moſt deſired wiſh, and end?
Is it becauſe ſome ſay th'art blinde, that barr'd
From ſight, thou ſhould'ſt no happineſſe attend?
Who blame thee ſo, ſmall Iuſtice can pretend,
Since twixt thee and the Sunne no queſtion hard
Can be; his ſight but outward, thou can'ſt bend
The heart, and guide it freely thus vnbar'd.
Art thou, while we both blinde and bold, oft dare
Accuſe thee of the harmes our ſelues ſhould finde:
Who led with folly, and by raſhneſſe blinde
Thy ſacred power doe with a child's compare.
Yet Loue, this boldneſſe pardon; for admire
Thee ſure we muſt, or be borne without fire.
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33.
How many eyes poor Love hast thou to guard
Thee from thy most desired wish, and end?
Is it because some say thou' art blind, that barred
From sight, thou should'st no happiness attend?
Who blame thee so, small justice can pretend,
Since 'twixt thee, and the sun no question hard
Can be, his sight but outward, thou canst bend
The heart, and guide it freely; thus unbarred
Art thou, while we both blind and bold oft dare
Accuse thee of the harms, ourselves should find
Who led with folly, and by rashness blind,
Thy sacred power do with a child's compare
Yet Love this boldness pardon: for admire
Thee sure we must, or be born without fire.
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34.
Take heed mine eyes, how you yor lookes doe cast
least they beetray my harts most ſecrett thought;
bee true vnto your ſelues for nothings bought
more deere then doubt wch brings a louers fast
Catch you all waching eyes, ere they bee paſt,
or take yours fixt wher your best loue hath ſought
the pride of your deſires; lett them bee taught
theyr faults wth shame, they could noe truer last
Then looke, and looke wt ioye for conquest wunn
of thoſe that ſearch'd your hurt in double kinde;
ſoe you kept ſafe, lett them themſelues looke blinde
watch, gaze, and marke till they to madnes runn,
While you, my eyes inioye full ſight of loue
contented that ſuch hapineſses moue s̸
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34.
Take heed mine eyes, how you your looks do cast
Lest* they betray my heart's most secret thought;
Be true unto your selves for nothing's bought
More dear than doubt which brings a lover's fast.*
Catch you all watching eyes, ere they be past,
Or take yours fixed where your best love hath sought
The pride of your desires; let them be taught
Their faults with* shame, they could no truer last.*
Then look, and look with joy for conquest won
Of those that searched your hurt* in double kind;
So you kept safe, let them themselves look blind
Watch, gaze, and mark till they to madness run,
While you, my* eyes enjoy full sight of love
Contented that such happinesses move.
This arresting sonnet offers a resistance on the speaker's part to the prying eyes that attempt to penetrate her defences, and it continues the theme of sonnet 23 [F26/P26], offering a sense of self to resist those who would assert their control over Pamphilia/Wroth.
'Lest': Wroth's 'least' is a variant spelling.
'a lover's fast': there are a number of ambiguous phrases in this sonnet: this might mean that the lover is held fast by doubt, or that there is some sense of the lover fasting/ wasting away with doubt.
'with' = 'for' in P.
'last': in this whole stanza, it is hard to determine exactly who 'they' are, given that they seem to move from being the watching eyes, which are to be resisted, to the speaker's own eyes which have in some sense betrayed her.
'searched your hurt': a vivid image of the vulnerability of the speaker/all women, who might have their 'hurt' (wound) searched (examined) - but this vulnerability is overturned by the strength of the speaker, who ultimately blinds the desperately searching/gazing eyes of those who would look at her; in the end it is she who enjoys 'full sight of love'.
'my' = 'mine' in P.
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34.
Take heed mine eyes, how you your looks doe caſt,
Leſt they betray my hearts moſt ſecret thought:
Be true vnto your ſelues; for nothing's bought
More deare then Doubt, which brings a Louers faſt.
Catch you alwatching eyes ere they be paſt,
Or take yours fix't, where your beſt Loue hath ſought
The pride of your deſires; let them be taught
Their faults for ſhame they could no truer laſt.
Then looke, and looke with ioy, for conqueſt won,
Of thoſe that ſearch'd your hurt in double kinde:
So you kept ſafe, let them themſelues looke blinde,
Watch, gaze, and marke till they to madneſſe run.
While you mine eyes enioy full ſight of Loue,
Contented that ſuch happineſſes moue.
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34.
Take heed mine eyes, how you your looks do cast
Lest they betray my heart's most secret thought;
Be true unto your selves for nothing's bought
More dear than doubt which brings a lover's fast.
Catch you all watching eyes, ere they be past,
Or take yours fixed where your best love hath sought
The pride of your desires; let them be taught
Their faults for shame, they could no truer last.
Then look, and look with joy for conquest won
Of those that searched your hurt in double kind;
So you kept safe, let them themselves look blind
Watch, gaze, and mark till they to madness run,
While you, mine eyes enjoy full sight of love
Contented that such happinesses move.
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35.
My hart is lost, what can I now expect,
an eu'ning faire; after a drowſie day?
(alas) fond phant'ſie this is nott the way
to cure a morning hurt, or ſaule neglect,
They who should help, doe mee, and help reiect,
imbraſing looce deſires, and wanton play,
while Venus bace delights doe beare the ſwaye,
and impudencie raignes wtout respect;
O Cupid, lett thy mother know her shame
't'is time for her to leaue this youthfull flame
wch doth dishoner her, is ages blame,
and takes away the greatnes of thy name;
Thou God of loue, she only Queene of lust,
yett striues by weakning thee, to bee vniust s̸
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35.
My heart is lost, what can I now expect,
An evening fair after a drowsy day?
Alas fond fancy, this is not the way
To cure a mourning* hurt,* or salve* neglect,
They who should help, do me, and help reject,
Embracing loose desires, and wanton play,
While Venus'* base delights do bear the sway,
And impudency reigns without respect;
O Cupid, let thy* mother know her shame
'Tis time for her to leave this youthful flame
Which doth dishonour her, is age's blame,
And takes away the greatness of thy name;
Thou God of love, she only Queen of lust,
Yet strives by weakening thee, to bee unjust.
Moved in P to fol. 48 [P95].
In this sonnet, the speaker seems in many ways to be superior in her self-knowledge to Venus, who, in the incident recounted here, pursued the youthful, mortal Adonis. In Ovid's version of the myth, later adapted and altered in Shakespeare's poetic treatment in Venus and Adonis, Venus falls in love because Cupid's arrow has scratched her; in Ovid's version Adonis, despite Venus' warnings, is killed by a wild boar while hunting.
'mourning': Wroth writes 'morning' - it is just possible that this is intentional: morning hurt/evening fair, but is more likely to be a mistake for 'mourning'.
'hurt' = 'heart' in P.
'salve': Wroth writes 'saule' which is corrected in P to salve.
'Venus' = 'wanton' in P.
'thy' = 'they' in P.
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I.
My heart is loſt, what can I now expect,
An euening faire after a drowſie day?
Alas, fond Phant'ſie, this is not the way,
To cure a mourning heart, or ſalue neglect:
They who ſhould helpe, doe me, and helpe reiect,
Embracing looſe deſires, and wanton play,
While wanton baſe delights, doe beare the ſway,
Aud impudency raignes without reſpect.
O Cupid let they Mother know her ſhame,
'Tis time for her to leaue this youthfull flame,
Which doth diſhonor her, is ages blame,
And takes away the greatnes of thy name.
Thou God of Loue, ſhe only Queene of luſt,
Yet ſtriues by weakning thee, to be vniuſt.
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2.1
My heart is lost, what can I now expect,
An evening fair after a drowsy day?
Alas fond fancy, this is not the way
To cure a mourning heart or salve neglect,
They who should help, do me, and help reject,
Embracing loose desires, and wanton play,
While wanton base delights do bear the sway,
And impudency reigns without respect;
O Cupid, let thy* mother know her shame
'Tis time for her to leave this youthful flame
Which doth dishonour her, is age's blame,
And takes away the greatness of thy name;
Thou God of love, she only Queen of lust,
Yet strives by weakening thee, to bee unjust.
'thy' = corrected from 'they' which is presumably a mis-transcription.
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36.
Iuno still iealouſe of her husband Ioue
defended from aboue on earth to try
whether she ther could find his choſen loue
wch made him from the heauen ſo often fly,
Cloſe by the place, wher I for shade did ly
she chafeing came; butt when she ſaw mee moue
haue you nott ſeene this way ſayd shee to hy
one, in whom Vertue neuer ground did proue,
Hee, in whom loue doth breed to stirr more hate,
courting a wanton Nimph for his delight
his name is Iupiter, my Lord by fate
who, for her leaues mee heau'n, his throne, and light,
I ſawe nott him, ſayd I, although heere are
Many in whoſe harts loue hath made like warr s̸
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36.
Juno, still jealous of her husband Jove,
Descended from above, on earth to try
Whether she there could find his chosen love
Which made him from the Heaven* so often fly,
Close by the place, where I for shade did lie
She chafing* came; but when she saw me move
'Have you not seen this way,' said she 'to hie*
One in whom virtue never ground did prove,
He in whom love doth breed to stir more hate,
Courting a wanton Nymph for his delight.
His name is Jupiter, my Lord by fate,
Who for her, leaves me, eaven, his throne, and light.'
'I saw not him,'* said I, 'although here are
Many in whose hearts love hath made like war.'
Juno's pursuit of the wayward Jove is a popular theme derived from Ovid's Metamorphoses. Roberts [P97] notes a parallel in Fulke Greville's Caelica, 11:
Juno, that on her head Love's livery carried,
Scorning to wear the marks of Io's pleasure,
Knew while the boy in Equinoctial tarried.
His heats would rob the heaven of heavenly treasure.
'heaven' = 'heavens' in P
'chafing' = 'chasing in P: looks life an 'f' in F, but might be intended as a long 's'.
'hie': hurry.
'not him' = 'him not' in P.
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3.
Ivno ſtill iealous of her husband Ioue,
Deſcended from aboue, on earth to try,
Whether ſhe there could find his choſen Loue,
Which made him from the Heau'ns ſo often flye.
Cloſe by the place where I for ſhade did lye,
She chaſing came, but when ſhee ſaw me moue,
Haue you not ſeene this way (ſaid ſhe) to hye
One, in whom vertue neuer grownde did proue?
Hee, in whom Loue doth breed, to ſtirre more hate,
Courting a wanton Nimph for his delight;
His name is Iupiter, my Lord, by Fate,
Who for her, leaues Me, Heauen, his Throne, and light.
I ſaw him not (ſaid I) although heere are
Many, in whoſe hearts, Loue hath made like warre,
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2.3
Juno still jealous of her husband Jove
Descended from above, on earth to try
Whether she there could find his chosen love
Which made him from the heavens so often fly,
Close by the place, where I for shade did lie
She chasing came; but when she saw me move
'Have you not seen this way,' said she 'to hie
One in whom virtue never ground did prove,
He in whom love doth breed to stir more hate,
Courting a wanton Nymph for his delight.
His name is Jupiter, my Lord by fate,
Who for her, leaves me, heaven, his throne, and light.'
'I saw him not,' said I, 'although here are
Many in whose hearts love hath made like war.'
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Song vj.
You happy bleſsed eyes
wch in that ruling place
haue force both to delight, and to diſgrace,
whoſe light allures and ties
all harts to yor command
O! looke on mee who doe att mercy stand:
'T'is you that rule my lyfe
't'is you my comforts giue;
then lett nott ſcorne o mee my ending driue,
nor lett the frownes of stryfe
haue might to hurt thoſe lights
wch while they shine they are true loues delights;
See butt, when Night appears,
and Sunn hath lost his force
how his loſs doth all ioye from vs diuorce;
And when hee shines, and cleares
the heauns from clowds of night
how happy then is made our gazing ſight,
Butt more then Sunns faire light
your beames doe ſeeme to mee,
whoſe ſweetest lookes doe tye and yett make free;
Why should you then ſoe spite
poore mee as to destroy
the only pleaſure that I taste of ioye?
Shine then, O deerest lights
wth fauor and wth loue,
and lett noe cauſe, yor cauſe of frownings moue
butt as the ſoules delights
ſoe bleſs my then=bleſs'd eyes
wch vnto you theyr true affection tyes.
Then shall the Sunn giue place
as to yor greater might,
yeelding that you doe show more parfect light,
O, then, butt grant this grace
Vnto yor loue=tied slaue
to shine on mee, who to you all fayth gaue;
And when you pleaſe to frowne
then vſe your killing eyes
on them, who in vntruth, and faulcehood lyes;
butt (deare) on mee cast downe
ſweet lookes for true deſire
that bannish doe all thoughts of fayned fire s̸
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Song 6
You happy blessed eyes
Which in that ruling place
Have force both to delight, and to disgrace,
Whose light allures and ties
All hearts to your command
O! look on me who do at mercy stand:
'T'is you that rule my life
'T'is you my comforts give;
Then let not scorn, O me, my ending drive,
Nor let the frowns of strife
Have might to hurt those lights
Which while they shine they are true love's delights;
See but when Night appears,
And Sun hath lost his force
How his loss doth all joy from us divorce;
And when he shines, and clears
The heavens from clouds of night
How happy then is made our gazing sight,
But more than Sun's fair light
Your beams do seem to me,
Whose sweetest looks do tie and yet make free;
Why should you then so spite
Poor me as to destroy
The only pleasure that I taste of joy?
Shine then, O dearest lights,
With favour and with love,
And let no cause, your cause of frownings move
But as the soul's delights
So bless my then-blessed eyes
Which unto you their true affection ties.
Then shall the Sun give place
As to your greater might,
Yielding that you do show more perfect light,
O then, but grant this grace
Unto your love-tied slave
To shine on me, who to you all faith gave;
And when you please to frown
Then use your* killing eyes
On them, who in untruth, and falsehood lies;
But (dear) on me cast down
Sweet looks for true desire
That banish do all thoughts of feigned fire.
This song continues the theme of eyes, here (as in some ways a complement to P39) the eyes in a more conventional way register the sight of the lover as a fulfilment of desire. Roberts [P42] notes a parallel between stanza 2 and RS Song 11:
Thoughts unto me so dear
As unto you I live,
Thoughts unto whom I give
A mind from all else clear.
'then use your' = 'use your most' in P.
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Song. 6.
You happy bleſſed eyes,
Which in that ruling place,
Haue force both to delight, and to diſgrace;
Whoſe light allures and tyes
All hearts to your command:
O looke on me, who doe at mercy ſtand.
'Tis you that rule my life,
'Tis you my comforts giue,
Then let not ſcorne to me my ending driue:
Nor let the frownes of ſtrife
Haue might to hurt thoſe lights;
Which while they ſhine they are true loues delights.
See but when Night appeares
And Sunne hath loſt his force,
How his loſſe doth all ioy from vs diuorce:
And when he ſhines, and cleares
The Heauens from clowdes of Night,
How happy then is made our gazing ſight?
But more then Sun's faire light
Your beames doe ſeeme to me,
Whoſe ſweeteſt lookes doe tye, and yet make free:
Why ſhould you then ſo ſpight
Poore me? as to deſtroy
The only pleaſure that I taſte of ioy.
Shine then, O deareſt lights
With fauour and with loue
And let no cauſe, your cauſe of frownings moue:
But as the ſoules delights,
So bleſſe my then bleſt eyes,
Which vnto you their true affection tyes.
Then ſhall the Sunne giue place,
As to your greater might,
Yeelding that you doe ſhow more perfect light.
O then but grant this grace,
Vnto your Loue-tide ſlaue,
To ſhine on me, who to you all faith gaue.
And when you pleaſe to frowne,
Vſe your moſt killing eyes
On them, who in vntruth and falſhood lies,
But (Deare) on me caſt downe
Sweet lookes, for true deſire;
That baniſh doe all thoughts of faigned fire.
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Song 6.
You happy blessed eyes
Which in that ruling place
Have force both to delight, and to disgrace,
Whose light allures and ties
All hearts to your command
O! look on me who do at mercy stand:
'T'is you that rule my life
'T'is you my comforts give;
Then let not scorn, O me, my ending drive,
Nor let the frowns of strife
Have might to hurt those lights
Which while they shine they are true love's delights;
See but when Night appears,
And Sun hath lost his force
How his loss doth all joy from us divorce;
And when he shines, and clears
The heavens from clouds of night
How happy then is made our gazing sight,
But more than Sun's fair light
Your beams do seem to me,
Whose sweetest looks do tie and yet make free;
Why should you then so spite
Poor me as to destroy
The only pleasure that I taste of joy?
Shine then, O dearest lights,
With favour and with love,
And let no cause, your cause of frownings move
But as the soul's delights
So bless my then-blessed eyes
Which unto you their true affection ties.
Then shall the Sun give place
As to your greater might,
Yielding that you do show more perfect light,
O then, but grant this grace
Unto your love-tied slave
To shine on me, who to you all faith gave;
And when you please to frown
Use your most killing eyes
On them, who in untruth, and falsehood lies;
But (dear) on me cast down
Sweet looks for true desire
That banish do all thoughts of feigned fire.
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37.
Night, welcome art thou to my mind destrest
darke, heauy, ſad, yett nott more ſad then I
neuer could'st thou find fitter company
for thine owne humor then I thus oprest.
If thou bee dark, my wrongs still vnredrest
ſaw neuer light, nor ſmalest bliſs can spy;
If heauy, ioy from mee too fast doth hy
and care outgoes my hope of quiett rest,
Then now in freindship ioine wt haples mee,
who ame as ſad, and dark as thou canst bee
hating all pleaſure, or delight in lyfe;
Silence, and griefe, wth thee I best doe loue
and from you three, I know I can nott moue
Then lett vs liue companions wthout strife s̸
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37.
Night, welcome art thou to my mind distressed,
Dark, heavy, sad, yet not more sad than I;
Never could'st thou find fitter company
For thine own humour then I thus oppressed.
If thou be* dark, my wrongs still unredressed
Saw never light, nor smallest bliss can spy;
If heavy, joy from me too fast doth hie
And care outgoes my hope of quiet rest,
Then now in friendship join with hapless me,
Who am as sad, and dark as thou canst bee
Hating all pleasure, or delight in* life;
Silence, and grief, with thee I best do love
And from you three, I know I cannot move.
Then let us live companions without strife.
This sonnet in praise of night harks back to the opening sonnet ('When night's black mantle could most darkness prove') and other evocations, such as [P13]. Roberts notes that the trio specifically addressed here, night, silence and grief, feature in AS 96:
Thought, with good cause thou lik'st so well the night,
Since kind or chance gives both one livery,
Both sadly black, both blackly darkened be;
Night bard from Sun, thou from thy own sunlight;
Silence in both displays his sullen might;
Slow heaviness in both holds one degree
That full of doubts, thou of perplexity;
Thy tears express Night's native moisture right
In P rearranged to form three quatrains and a couplet.
'bee' = 'beest' in P.
'in' = 'of' in P.
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37.
Night, welcome art thou to my minde diſtreſt,
Darke, heauy, ſad, yet not more ſad then I:
Neuer could'ſt thou finde fitter company
For thine owne humour, then I thus oppreſt.
If thou beeſt darke, my wrongs ſtill vnredreſt
Saw neuer light, nor ſmalleſt bliſſe can ſpye:
If heauy ioy from mee to faſt doth hie,
And care out-goes my hope of quiet reſt.
Then now in friendſhip ioyne with hapleſſe me,
Who am as ſad and darke as thou canſt be,
Hating all pleaſure or delight of life,
Silence and griefe, with thee I beſt doe loue.
And from you three I know I cannot moue,
Then let vs liue companions without ſtrife.
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37.
Night, welcome art thou to my mind distressed,
Dark, heavy, sad, yet not more sad than I;
Never could'st thou find fitter company
For thine own humour then I thus oppressed.
If thou beest dark, my wrongs still unredressed
Saw never light, nor smallest bliss can spy;
If heavy, joy from me too fast doth hie
And care outgoes my hope of quiet rest,
Then now in friendship join with hapless me,
Who am as sad, and dark as thou canst bee
Hating all pleasure, or delight of life;
Silence, and grief, with thee I best do love
And from you three, I know I cannot move.
Then let us live companions without strife.
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38
What pleaſure can a bannish'd creature haue
in all the pastimes that inuented arr
by witt or learning, abſence making warr
against all peace that may a biding craue;
Can wee delight butt in a wellcome graue
wher wee may bury paines, and ſoe bee farr
from lothed company who allways iarr
vpon the string of mirthe that pastime gaue;
The knowing part of ioye is deem'd the hart
if that bee gon what ioy can ioy impart
when ſencleſs is the feeler of our mirth;
Noe, I ame bannish'd, and no good shall find
butt all my fortunes must wth miſchief bind
Who butt for miſerie did gaine a birth; s̸
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38.
What pleasure can a banished creature have
In all the pastimes that invented are
By wit or learning, absence making war
Against all peace that may a biding* crave;
Can we delight but in a welcome grave
Where we may bury pains, and so be far
From loathed company who always jar
Upon the string of mirth that pastime gave;
The knowing part of joy is deemed the heart,
If that be gone what joy can joy impart
When senseless is the feeler of our mirth?
No, I am banished, and no good shall find
But all my fortunes must with mischief bind,
Who but for misery did gain a birth.
Roberts notes the idea of being alone in company in AS 27: 'Because I oft in dark abstracted guise/Seem most alone in greatest company'. But Astrophil goes on to talk of this leading to him being mistaken as proud, while in Wroth's rather darker sonnet Pamphilia is not only alone, but bereft of all feeling.
'biding': a home.
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38.
What pleaſure can a baniſh'd creature haue
In all the paſtimes that inuented are
By wit or learning? Abſence making warre
Againſt all peace that may a biding craue.
Can wee delight but in a welcome graue,
Where we may bury paines? and ſo be farre
From loathed company, who alwaies iarre
Vpon the ſtring of mirth that paſtime gaue.
The knowing part of ioy is deem'd the heart,
If that be gone what ioy can ioy impart
When ſenſleſſe is the feeler of our mirth?
No, I am baniſh'd and no good ſhall finde,
But all my fortunes muſt with miſchiefe binde;
Who but for miſery did gaine a birth.
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38.
What pleasure can a banished creature have
In all the pastimes that invented are
By wit or learning, absence making war
Against all peace that may a biding crave;
Can we delight but in a welcome grave
Where we may bury pains, and so be far
From loathed company who always jar
Upon the string of mirth that pastime gave;
The knowing part of joy is deemed the heart,
If that be gone what joy can joy impart
When senseless is the feeler of our mirth?
No, I am banished, and no good shall find
But all my fortunes must with mischief bind,
Who but for misery did gain a birth.
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39.
Iff I were giu'n to mirthe 't'wowld bee more croſs
thus to bee robbed of my chiefest ioy;
butt ſilently I beare my greatest loſs
Who's vſ'd to ſorrow, griefe will nott destroy;
Nor can I as thes pleaſant witts inioy
my owne fram'd words, wch I account the droſs
of purer thoughts, or recken them as moſs
while they (witt ſick) them ſelues to breath imploy,
Alas, think I, yor plenty shewes your want,
for wher most feeling is, words are more ſcant,
yett pardon mee, Liue, and your pleaſure take,
Grudg nott, if I neglected, enuy show
't'is nott to you that I dislike doe owe
butt crost my ſelf, wish ſome like mee to make s̸
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39.
If I were given to mirth 'twould be more cross
Thus to bee robbed of my chiefest joy;
But silently I bear my greatest loss:
Who's used to sorrow, grief will not destroy;
Nor can I as these* pleasant wits enjoy
My own framed words, which I account the dross
Of purer thoughts, or reckon them as moss
While they (wit-sick) themselves to breathe employ,
Alas, think I, your plenty shows your want,
For where most feeling is, words are more scant,
Yet pardon me, live, and your pleasure take,
Grudge not if I, neglected, envy show
'Tis not to you that I dislike do owe,
But crossed myself, wish some like me to make.
This sonnet follows a theme in AS: a contrast between the ability to speak and the way that despair rends one silent: yet this is a paradox because a sonnet is itself the product of wit, however much it may depict a lover in a state of speechless despair. So, for example, AS 50:
Stella, the fullness of my thoughts of thee
Cannot be staid within my panting breast,
But they do swell and struggle forth of me,
Till that in words thy figure be expressed:
And yet, as soon as they so formed be,
According to my lord Love's own behest,
With sad eyes I their weak proportion see
To portrait that which in this world is best.
So that I cannot choose but write my mind,
And cannot choose but put out what I write,
While these poor babes their death in birth do find;
And now my pen these lines had dashed quite
But that they stopt his fury from the same,
Because their forefront bare sweet Stella's name.
'these' = 'those' in P.
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39.
If I were giuen to mirth, ,twould be more croſſe,
Thus to be robbed of my chiefeſt ioy:
But ſilently I beare my greateſt loſſe;
Who's vs'd to ſorrow, griefe will not deſtroy.
Nor can I as thoſe pleaſant wits inioy
My owne fram'd wordes which I account the droſſe
Of purer thoughts, or reckon them as moſſe;
While they (wit-ſick) themſelues to breath imploy.
Alas, thinke I, your plenty ſhewes your want;
For where moſt feeling is wordes are more ſcant;
Yet pardon me, liue and your pleaſure take.
Grudge not if I (neglected) enuy ſhow,
'Tis not to you that I diſlike doe owe;
But (croſt my ſelfe) wiſh ſome like me to make.
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39.
If I were given to mirth 'twould be more cross
Thus to bee robbed of my chiefest joy;
But silently I bear my greatest loss:
Who's used to sorrow, grief will not destroy;
Nor can I as those pleasant wits enjoy
My own framed words, which I account the dross
Of purer thoughts, or reckon them as moss
While they (wit-sick) themselves to breathe employ,
Alas, think I, your plenty shows your want,
For where most feeling is, words are more scant,
Yet pardon me, live, and your pleasure take,
Grudge not if I, neglected, envy show
'Tis not to you that I dislike do owe,
But crossed myself, wish some like me to make.
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40.
Itt is nott loue which you poore fooles do deeme
that doth apeare by fond, and outward showes
of kiſsing, toying, or by ſwearings gloſe
o noe thes farr are of from loues esteeme;
Alas thes ar nott them that can redeeme
loue lost, or wining keepe thoſe choſen blowes
though oft wt face, and lookes loue ouerthrowſe
yett ſoe ſlight conquest doth nott him beeſeeme,
'T'is nott a showe of ſighes, or teares can proue
who loues indeed: which blasts of fained loue
increaſe, or dy as fauors from them slide;
Butt in the ſoule true loue in ſafety lies
guarded by faith wch to deſart still hies,
and yett true lookes doe many bleſsing hide s̸
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40.
It is not love which you poor fools do deem
That doth appear by fond and outward shows
Of kissing, toying, or by swearing's gloze.*
O no, these far are off* from love's esteem;
Alas, these* are not them* that can redeem
Love lost, or winning, keep those chosen blows
Though oft with face and looks love overthrows
Yet so slight conquest doth not him beseem,
'T'is not a show of sighs, or tears can prove
Who loves indeed: which blasts of feigned love
Increase, or die as favours from them slide;
But in the soul true love in safety lies
Guarded by faith which to desert still hies,
And yet true* looks do many blessing* hide.
The difference between 'true' love and those who protest they love again has its seeds in AS; this is another paradox: that the expression of love is generally insincere, but this is couched within a poetic expression of love. (It is particularly appropriate that Wroth's careful revision, especially of the last line, improves that point.)
'gloze': deceitful flattery.
'are off' = 'are far off' in P.
'these' = 'they' in P.
'them' = 'such' in P.
'true' = 'kind' in P.
'blessing' = 'blessings' in P.
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40.
It is not Loue which you poore fooles doe deeme,
That doth appeare by fond and outward ſhowes,
Of kiſſing, toying, or by ſwearings gloze:
O no, theſe are farre off from loues eſteeme.
Alas, they are not ſuch that can redeeme
Loue loſt, or winning keepe thoſe choſen blowes:
Though oft with face and lookes loue ouerthrowes;
Yet ſo ſlight conqueſt doth not him beſeeme.
'Tis not a ſhew of ſighes or teares can proue
Who loues indeed, which blaſts of faigned loue,
Increaſe or dye, as fauours from them ſlide.
But in the ſoule true loue in ſafety lies
Guarded by faith, which to deſert ſtill hies:
And yet kinde lookes do many bleſſings hide.
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40.
It is not love which you poor fools do deem
That doth appear by fond and outward shows
Of kissing, toying, or by swearing's gloze.
O no, these far are off from love's esteem;
Alas, they are not such that can redeem
Love lost, or winning, keep those chosen blows
Though oft with face and looks love overthrows
Yet so slight conquest doth not him beseem,
'T'is not a show of sighs, or tears can prove
Who loves indeed: which blasts of feigned love
Increase, or die as favours from them slide;
But in the soul true love in safety lies
Guarded by faith which to desert still hies,
And yet kind looks do many blessings hide.
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41.
Late in the Forest I did Cupid ſee
colde, wett, and crying hee had lost his way,
and beeing blind was farder like to stray:
wch ſight a kind compaſsion bred in mee,
I kindly tooke, and dride him, while that hee
poore child complain'd hee sterued was wt stay,
and pin'de for want of his accustom'd pray,
for non in that wilde place his hoste would bee,
I glad was of his finding, thinking ſure
this ſeruice should my freedome still procure
and in my armes I tooke him then vnharm'de,
Carrying him vnto a Mirtle bowre
butt in the way hee made mee feele, his powre,
burning my hart who had him kindly warmd s̸
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F 41.
Late in the forest I did Cupid see
Cold, wet, and crying, he had lost his way,
And being blind was farther like to stray:
Which sight a kind compassion bred in me,
I kindly took and dried him, while that he,
Poor child, complained he starved was with stay,
And pined for want of his accustomed prey,
For none in that wild place his host would be,
I glad was of his finding, thinking sure
This service should my freedom still procure
And in my arms I took him then unharmed
Carrying him* unto a myrtle bower
But in the way he made me feel, his power,
Burning my heart who had him kindly warmed.
Like [P8], this sonnet relies upon a humorous depiction of Cupid to convey a more serious message about Pamphilia's entrapment by desire. Roberts [P96] notes that this is a common depiction of Cupid and cites numerous examples, including AS 65:
For when, naked Boy, thou couldst no harbour find
In this old world, grown now so too, too wise,
I lodged thee in my heart, and being blind
By nature borne, I gave to thee mine eyes.
See also Greville's Caelica 12:
Cupid, thou naughty boy, when thou wert loathed,
Naked and blind, for vagabonding noted,
Thy nakedness I in my reason clothed,
Mine eyes I gave thee, so was I devoted.
Moved to fol. 49 in P.
'him': P adds 'safe' = 'him safe'.
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2.
Late in the Forreſt I did Cupid ſee
Cold, wett, and crying, he had loſt his way,
And being blinde was farther like to ſtray;
Which ſight, a kind compaſſion bred in me.
I kindly tooke, and dry'd him, while that he,
(Poore Child) complain'd, he ſterued was with ſtay
And pin'd for want of his accuſtom'd prey,
For none in that wilde place his Hoſt would be.
I glad was of his finding, thinking ſure,
This ſeruice ſhould my freedome ſtill procure,
And in my armes I tooke him then vnharm'd,
Carrying him ſafe vnto a Myrtle bowre,
But in the way he made me, feele his powre,
Burning my heart, who had him kindly warm'd.
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2.2
Late in the forest I did Cupid see
Cold, wet, and crying, he had lost his way,
And being blind was farther like to stray:
Which sight a kind compassion bred in me,
I kindly took and dried him, while that he,
Poor child, complained he starved was with stay,
And pined for want of his accustomed prey,
For none in that wild place his host would be,
I glad was of his finding, thinking sure
This service should my freedom still procure
And in my arms I took him then unharmed
Carrying him safe unto a myrtle bower
But in the way he made me feel, his power,
Burning my heart who had him kindly warmed.
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42.
If euer loue had force in humaine breſt?
If euer hee could moue in penſiue hart?
or if that hee ſuch powre could butt impart
to breed thoſe flames whoſe heat brings ioys vnrest
Then looke on mee; I ame to thes adrest,
I, ame the ſoule that feeles the greatest ſmart;
I, ame that body liues depriu'd of hart;
I, ame that hartles trunk of harts depart;
and I, that one, by loue, and griefe oprest;
Non euer felt the truth of loues great miſs
of eyes, till I depriued was of bliſs;
for had hee ſeene, hee must haue pitty show'd
I should nott haue bin made the stage of woe
wher ſad diſasters haue theyr open showe
O noe, more pitty hee had ſure beestow'd s̸
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42.
If ever love had force in human breast,
If ever he could move in pensive heart,
Or if that he such power could but impart
To breed those flames whose heat brings joy's unrest,
Then look on me; I am to these addressed:
I am the soul that feels the greatest smart;
I am that heartless trunk of heart's depart;*
And I that one by love and grief oppressed;
None ever felt the truth of love's great miss
Of eyes,* till I deprived was of bliss;
For had he seen, he must have pity showed,
I should not have been made the* stage of woe
Where sad disasters have their open show;
O no, more pity he had sure bestowed.
While the concluding image of the stage is virtually an early modern cliché, Roberts [P48] notes a specific parallel in Greville's Caelica, sonnet 9: 'For sorrow holds man's life to be her own,/His thoughts her stage, where tragedies she plays'.
'I am that heartless trunk of heart's depart': replacement for the crossed out: 'I am that body lives deprived of heart'.
'miss of eyes': ie Cupid's blindness
'the' = 'this' in P.
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42.
If euer loue had force in humane breſt,
If euer he could moue in penſiue heart:
Or if that he ſuch powre could but impart
To breed thoſe flames, whoſe heat brings ioyes vnreſt.
Then looke on me; I am to theſe adreſt,
I am the ſoule that feeles the greateſt ſmart:
I am that heartleſſe Trunck of hearts depart;
And I that One, by loue, and griefe oppreſt.
None euer felt the truth of loues great miſſe
Of eyes till I depriued was of bliſſe;
For had he ſeene, he muſt haue pitty ſhow'd.
I ſhould not haue beene made this Stage of woe,
Where ſad Diſaſters haue their open ſhow:
O no, more pitty he had ſure beſtow'd.
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42.
If ever love had force in human breast,
If ever he could move in pensive heart,
Or if that he such power could but impart
To breed those flames whose heat brings joy's unrest,
Then look on me; I am to these addressed:
I am the soul that feels the greatest smart;
I am that heartless trunk of heart's depart;
And I that one by love and grief oppressed;
None ever felt the truth of love's great miss
Of eyes, till I deprived was of bliss;
For had he seen, he must have pity showed,
I should not have been made this stage of woe
Where sad disasters have their open show;
O no, more pity he had sure bestowed.
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Song vij.
Sorrow, I yeeld, and greiue that I did miſs:
will nott thy rage bee ſatiſfied wth this?
As ſad a Diuell as thee,
made mee vnhapy bee.
Wilt thou nott yett conſent to leaue, butt still
striue how to showe thy curſed, deuilsh skill;
I mourne, and dying am; what would you more?
my ſoule attends, to leaue this wreched shore.
Wher harmes doe only flow
wch teach mee butt to know
The ſadest howres of my liues vnrest,
and tired minutes wth griefs hand oprest:
Yett all this will nott pacefy thy spite;
no, nothing can bring eaſe butt my last night.
then quickly lett itt bee
while I vnhappy ſee
That time, ſoe sparing to grant louers bliſs
will ſee for time lost, ther shall noe grief miſs.
Nor lett mee euer ceaſe from lasting griefe,
butt endleſs lett itt bee wtout reliefe:
To winn againe of loue,
the fauor I did proue;
And wth my end pleaſe him: ſince liuing I
haue him offended, yett vnwillingly s̸
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Song 7.
Sorrow, I yield, and grieve that I did miss:
Will not thy rage be satisfied with this?
As sad a Devil as thee,
Made me unhappy be.
Wilt thou not yet consent to leave, but still
Strive how to show thy cursed, devilish skill;
I mourn, and dying am; what would you more?
My soul attends to leave this wretched* shore
Where harms do only flow
Which teach me but to know
The saddest hours of my life's unrest,
And tired minutes with grief's hand oppressed:
Yet all this will not pacify thy spite;
No, nothing can bring ease but my last night.
Then quickly let it be
While I unhappy see
That Time, so sparing to grant lovers bliss,
Will see for time lost, there shall no grief miss.
Nor let me ever cease from lasting grief,
But endless let it be without relief:
To win again of love,
The favour I did prove,
And with my end please him, since living* I
Have him offended, yet unwillingly.
This is an almost metaphysical song, which, like many of Greville's lyrics, turns upon a series of paradoxes.
'wretched' = 'cursed' in P.
'living' = 'dying' in P. This is a fascinating revision which, given the paradoxes that run through this song, underlines the 'dying' idea from the second stanza, yet 'living' is also apt as the song sees the life the speaker leads as offending love and not really a worthy life.
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Song. 7.
Sorrow, I yeeld, and grieue that I did miſſe;
Will not thy rage be ſatisfied with this?
As ſad a Diuell as thee,
Made me vnhappy be:
Wilt thou not yet conſent to leaue, but ſtill
Striue how to ſhow thy curſed diueliſh skill?
I mourne, and dying am, what would you more?
My ſoule attends, to leaue this curſed ſhoare
Where harmes doe onely flow,
Which teach me but to know
The ſaddeſt houres of my lifes vnreſt,
And tyred minutes with griefes hand oppreſt.
Yet all this will not pacifie thy ſpight,
No, nothing can bring eaſe but my laſt night,
Then quickely let it be,
While I vnhappy ſee
That time ſo ſparing, to grant Louers bliſſe,
Will ſee for time loſt, there ſhall no griefe miſſe.
Nor let me euer ceaſe from laſting griefe,
But endleſſe let it be without reliefe;
To winn againe of Loue,
The fauour I did proone,
And with my end pleaſe him, ſince dying, I
Haue him offended, yet vnwillingly.
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Song 7.
Sorrow, I yield, and grieve that I did miss:
Will not thy rage be satisfied with this?
As sad a Devil as thee,
Made me unhappy be.
Wilt thou not yet consent to leave, but still
Strive how to show thy cursed, devilish skill;
I mourn, and dying am; what would you more?
My soul attends to leave this cursed shore
Where harms do only flow
Which teach me but to know
The saddest hours of my life's unrest,
And tired minutes with grief's hand oppressed:
Yet all this will not pacify thy spite;
No, nothing can bring ease but my last night.
Then quickly let it be
While I unhappy see
That Time, so sparing to grant lovers bliss,
Will see for time lost, there shall no grief miss.
Nor let me ever cease from lasting grief,
But endless let it be without relief:
To win again of love,
The favour I did prove,
And with my end please him, since dying I
Have him offended, yet unwillingly.
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43.
O dearest eyes the lights, and guids of loue,
the ioyes of Cupid who himſelf borne blind
to yor bright shining doth his triumphs bind
for in yor ſeeing doth his glory moue;
How happy are thoſe places wher you proue
yor heaunly beames, wch makes the Sun to find
enuy, and grudging hee ſoe long hath shind
now to bee match'd on earth wher you doe moue
that your cleer light showld mach his beames aboue
Butt now, Alas, your ſight is heere forbid
and darknes must thes poore lost roomes poſseſs
ſoe bee all bleſsed lights from henceforth hid
that this black deed in darcknes haue exceſs,
For why should heauen afford least light to thoſe
who for my miſery this darcknes choſe s̸
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43.
O dearest eyes the lights, and guides of love,
The joys of Cupid who, himself born blind,
To your bright shining doth his triumphs bind
For in your seeing doth his glory move;
How happy are those places where you prove
Your heavenly beams, which makes the Sun to find
Envy, and grudging he so long hath shined
That your clear light should match his beams above*
But now, alas, your sight is here forbid
And darkness must these poor lost rooms possess
So be all blessed lights from henceforth hid
That this black deed in* darkness have excess,*
For why should heaven afford least light to those
Who for my misery this* darkness chose.
This sonnet continues the themes of sight/blindess/Cupid/darkness and the miseries of unrequited desire.
'that your clear light should match his beams above': = 'for your clear lights to match his beams above' in P; this lines replaces 'now to be matched on earth where you do move', which has been crossed through.
'in' = 'of' in P.
'excess': perhaps meaning access in this context.
'this': = 'such' in P. In F this word is heavily crossed through.
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43.
O Deareſt eyes, the lights, and guides of Loue,
The ioyes of Cupid, who himſelfe borne blinde,
To your bright ſhining, doth his tryumphs binde;
For, in your ſeeing doth his glory moue.
How happy are thoſe places where you prooue
Your heauenly beames, which makes the Sun to find
Enuy and grudging, he ſo long hath ſhin'd
For your cleare lights, to match his beames aboue.
But now alas, your ſight is heere forbid,
And darkenes muſt theſe poore loſt roomes poſſeſſe,
So be all bleſſed lights from henceforth hid,
That this blacke deede of darkeneſſe haue exceſſe.
For why ſhould Heauen affoord leaſt light to thoſe,
Who for my miſery ſuch darkeneſſe choſe.
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43.
O dearest eyes the lights, and guides of love,
The joys of Cupid who, himself born blind,
To your bright shining doth his triumphs bind
For in your seeing doth his glory move;
How happy are those places where you prove
Your heavenly beams, which makes the Sun to find
Envy, and grudging he so long hath shined
For your clear lights to match his beams above.
But now, alas, your sight is here forbid
And darkness must these poor lost rooms possess
So be all blessed lights from henceforth hid
That this black deed of darkness have excess,
For why should heaven afford least light to those
Who for my misery such darkness chose.
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44.
How fast thou hast'st (o spring) wt ſwiftest speed
to catch thy waters wch befor are runn,
and of the greater riuers wellcom wunn,
'ere thes thy new borne streames thes places feed,
Yett doe yow well least staying heere might breed
dangerous floods yor ſweetest banks t'o'rerunn,
and yett much better my distreſs to shunn
wch makes my teares butt yor courſe to ſucceed,
Butt best you doe when wth ſoe hasty flight,
you fly my ills wch now my ſelf outgoe,
whoſe broken hart can testify ſuch woe,
wch ſoe o'recharg'd my lyfe blood wasteth quite
Sweet spring then keepe your way, Bee neuer spent
and my ill days, or griefs aſsunder rent s̸
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44.
How fast thou hastest (O Spring) with swiftest* speed
To catch thy waters* which before are run,
And of the greater rivers welcome won,
Ere these thy new-born streams these places feed,
Yet do you* well lest staying here might breed
Dangerous floods your sweetest banks t' o'er-run,
And yet much better my distress to shun
Which makes my tears but your course to* succeed,
But best you do when with so hasty flight,
You fly my ills which now my self outgo,
Whose broken heart can testify such woe,
Which* so o'ercharged my life blood wasteth quite
Sweet spring then keep your way, be never spent
And my ill days, or griefs asunder rent.
'swiftest': = 'sweetest' in P.
'waters' = 'water' in P.
'do you' = 'you do' in P.
'but your course to': = 'your swiftest course' in P.
'which' = 'that' in P.
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44.
How faſt thou haſt ſt O Spring with ſweeteſt ſpeed)
To catch thy water which before are runne,
And of the greater Riuers welcome woone,
Ere theſe thy new-borne ſtreames theſe places feede.
Yet you doe well, leſt ſtaying here might breede
Dangerous flouds, your ſweeteſt bankes t'orerunn,
And yet much better my diſtreſſe to ſhunn,
Which maks my tears your ſwifteſt courſe ſucceed.
But beſt you doe when with ſo haſty flight
You fly my ills, which now my ſelfe outgoe,
Whoſe broken heart can teſtifie ſuch woe,
That ſo orecharg'd, my life-bloud, waſteth quite.
Sweet Spring then keepe your way be neuer ſpent,
And my ill dayes, or griefes, aſſunder rent.
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44.
How fast thou hastest (O Spring) with sweetest speed
to catch thy water which before are run,
and of the greater rivers welcome won,
'ere these thy new-born streams these places feed,
Yet you do well lest staying here might breed
dangerous floods your sweetest banks t' o'er-run,
and yet much better my distress to shun
which makes my tears your swiftest course succeed,
But best you do when with so hasty flight,
you fly my ills which now my self outgo,
whose broken heart can testify such woe,
that so o'ercharged my life blood wasteth quite
Sweet spring then keep your way, be never spent
and my ill days, or griefs asunder rent.
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45.
Good now bee still, and doe nott mee torment
wt multituds of questions, bee att rest,
and only lett mee quarrell wt my brest
wch still letts in new stormes my ſoule to rent;
Fy, will you still my miſchiefs more augment?
you ſay I anſwere croſs, I that confest
long ſince, yett must I euer bee oprest
wth yor toungue torture wch will ne're bee spent?
Well then I ſee noe way butt this will fright
that Diuell speach; Alas I ame poſsest,
and mad folks ſenceles ar of wiſdomes right,
The hellish spiritt abſence doth arest
all my poore ſences to his cruell might
spare mee then till I ame my ſelf, and blest s̸
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45.
Good now be still, and do not me torment
With multitudes* of questions; be at rest,
And only let me quarrel with my breast
Which still lets in new storms my soul to rent.
Fie, will you still my mischiefs more augment?
You say I answer cross, I that confessed
Long since, yet must I ever be oppressed
With your tongue-torture which will ne'er be spent?
Well then I see no way but this will fright
That Devil speech; alas I am possessed,
And mad folks senseless are of wisdom's right,
The hellish spirit absence doth arrest
All my poor senses to his cruel might;
Spare me then till I am myself, and blest.
'multitudes' = 'multitude' in P.
Roberts [P52] notes a parallel with AS 14:
Alas, have I not pain enough, my friend,
Upon whose breast a fiercer grip doth tire
Than did on him who first stale down the fire,
While Love on me doth all his quiver spend,
But with your rhubarb words ye must contend
To grieve me worse
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45.
Good now be ſtill, and doe not me torment,
With multitude of queſtions, be at reſt,
And onely let me quarrell with my breaſt,
Which ſtil lets in new ſtormes my ſoule to rent.
Fye, will you ſtill my miſchiefes more augment?
You ſay, I anſwere croſſe, I that confeſt
Long ſince, yet muſt I euer be oppreſt,
With your tongue torture which wil ne're be ſpent?
Well then I ſee no way but this will fright,
That Deuill ſpeech; alas, I am poſſeſt,
And madd folkes ſenſeles are of wiſdomes right,
The helliſh ſpirit, Abſence, doth arreſt.
All my poore ſenſes to his cruell might,
Spare me then till I am my ſelfe, and bleſt
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45.
Good now be still, and do not me torment
With multitude of questions; be at rest,
And only let me quarrel with my breast
Which still lets in new storms my soul to rent.
Fie, will you still my mischiefs more augment?
You say I answer cross, I that confessed
Long since, yet must I ever be oppressed
With your tongue-torture which will ne'er be spent?
Well then I see no way but this will fright
That Devil speech; alas I am possessed,
And mad folks senseless are of wisdom's right,
The hellish spirit absence doth arrest
All my poor senses to his cruel might;
Spare me then till I am myself, and blest.
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46.
Loue, thou hast all, for now thou hast mee made
ſoe thine, as if for thee I were ordain'd;
then take thy conquest, nor lett mee bee pain'd
more in thy Sunn, when I doe ſeeke thy shade,
Noe place for help haue I left to inuade,
that show'de a face wher least eaſe might bee gain'd;
yett found I paine increaſe, and butt obtain'd
that this noe way was to haue loue allayd,
When hott, and thirsty to a well I came
trusting by that to quench part of my flame,
butt ther I was by loue afresh imbrac'd;
Drinke I could nott, butt in itt I did ſee
my ſelf a liuing glaſs as well as shee
for loue to ſee him ſelf in truly plac'd; s̸
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46.
Love, thou hast all, for now thou hast me made
So thine, as if for thee I were ordained;
Then take thy conquest, nor let me be pained
More in thy sun, when I do seek thy shade,
No place for help have I left to invade,
That showed a face where least ease might be gained;
Yet found I pain increase, and but obtained
That this no way was to have love allayed,
When hot, and thirsty to a well I came
Trusting by that to quench part of my flame,*
But there I was by Love afresh embraced;
Drink I could not, but in it I did see
Myself a living glass* as well as she,
For Love to see himself in, truly placed.
'flame': = 'pain' in P.
glass: mirror.
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46.
Loue thou haſt all, for now thou haſt me made
So thine, as if for thee I were ordain'd,
Then take thy conqueſt, nor let me be pain'd
More in thy Sunne, when I doe ſeeke thy ſhade.
No place for helpe haue I left to inuade,
That ſhew'd a face where leaſt eaſe might be gain'd;
Yet found I paine increaſe, and but obtain'd,
That this no way was to haue loue allay'd
When hott, and thirſty, to a Well I came,
Truſting by that to quench part of my paine,
But there I was by Loue afreſh imbrac'd
Drinke I could not, but in it I did ſee
My ſelfe a liuing glaſſe as well as ſhee;
For loue to ſee himſelfe in, truely plac'd.
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46.
Love, thou hast all, for now thou hast me made
So thine, as if for thee I were ordained;
Then take thy conquest, nor let me be pained
More in thy sun, when I do seek thy shade,
No place for help have I left to invade,
That showed a face where least ease might be gained;
Yet found I pain increase, and but obtained
That this no way was to have love allayed,
When hot, and thirsty to a well I came
Trusting by that to quench part of my pain,
But there I was by Love afresh embraced;
Drink I could not, but in it I did see
Myself a living glass as well as she,
For Love to see himself in, truly placed.
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47.
O stay mine eyes, shed nott thes fruitles teares
ſince hope is past to win you back againe
that treaſure wch beeing lost breeds all yor paine,
ceaſe from this poore betraying of yor feares,
Think this to childish is, for wher griefe reares
ſoe high a powre, for ſuch a wreched gaine;
ſighs, nor laments should thus bee spent in vaine:
true ſorrow, neuer outward wayling beares;
Bee rul'd by mee, keepe all the rest in store,
till noe roome is that may containe one more,
then in that ſea of teares, drowne haples mee,
And I'le prouide ſuch store of ſighs as part
shalbee enough to breake the strongest hart,
This dunn, wee shall from torments freed bee s̸
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47.
O stay mine eyes, shed not these fruitless tears
Since hope is past to win you back again
That treasure which, being lost, breeds all your pain;
Cease from this poor betraying of your fears,
Think this too childish is, for where grief rears
So high a power for such a wretched gain,
Sighs, nor laments, should thus be spent in vain:
True sorrow, never outward wailing bears;
Be ruled by me, keep all the rest in store,
Till no room is that may contain one more,
Then in that sea of tears, drown hapless me,
And I'll provide such store of sighs as part
Shall be enough to break the strongest heart.
This done, we shall from torments freed be.
Tears are prominent throughout the sonnet tradition, as in AS 100: 'O tears! no tears, but rain, from Beauties skies', here again they are subject to Pamphilia's desire to conceal her emotions.
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47.
O Stay mine eyes, ſhed not theſe fruitleſſe teares,
Since hope is paſt to win you back againe,
That treaſure which being loſt breeds all your paine;
Ceaſe from this poore betraying of your feares.
Thinke this too childiſh is, for where griefe reares
So high a powre for ſuch a wretched gaine:
Sighes nor laments ſhould thus be ſpent in vaine;
True ſorrow neuer outward wailing beares.
Be rul'd by me, keepe all the reſt in ſtore,
Till no roome is that may containe one more;
Then in that Sea of teares drowne hapleſſe me,
And Ile prouide ſuch ſtore of ſighes, as part
Shall be enough to breake the ſtrongeſt heart:
This done, we ſhall from torments freed be.
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47.
O stay mine eyes, shed not these fruitless tears
Since hope is past to win you back again
That treasure which, being lost, breeds all your pain;
Cease from this poor betraying of your fears,
Think this too childish is, for where grief rears
So high a power for such a wretched gain,
Sighs, nor laments, should thus be spent in vain:
True sorrow, never outward wailing bears;
Be ruled by me, keep all the rest in store,
Till no room is that may contain one more,
Then in that sea of tears, drown hapless me,
And I'll provide such store of sighs as part
Shall be enough to break the strongest heart.
This done, we shall from torments freed be.
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48.
How like a fire doth loue increaſe in mee,
the longer that itt lasts, the stronger still,
the greater purer, brighter, and doth fill
noe eye wt wunder more, then hopes still bee
bred in my brest, wher fires of loue are free
to vſe that part to theyr best pleaſing will,
and now impoſsible itt is to kill
the heat ſoe great wher Loue his strength doth ſee.
Mine eyes can ſcarce ſustaine the flames my hart
doth trust in them my longings to impart,
and languishingly striue to show my loue;
My breath nott able is to breathe least part
of that increaſing fuell of my ſmart;
yett loue I will till I butt ashes proue s̸
s̸
s̸Pamphilias̸
s̸
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48.
How like a fire doth love increase in me,
The longer that it lasts, the stronger still,
The greater, purer, brighter, and doth fill
No eye with wonder more; then hopes still be
Bred in my breast, where* fires of love are free
To use that part to their best pleasing will,
And now impossible it is to kill
The heat so great where Love his strength doth see.
Mine eyes can scarce sustain the flames, my heart
Doth trust in them my longings* to impart,
And languishingly strive to show my love;
My breath not able is to breathe least part
Of that increasing fuel of my smart;
Yet love I will till I but ashes prove.
This sonnet is signed 'Pamphilia' surrounded by four slashed Ss, which seems to mark the end of an internal sequence in F; it is followed by a blank page before the next sonnet, which is headed 'sonnet', followed by a slashed S. As Roberts [P55] notes, the conclusion has a parallel in RS 9:
I yield, I love, to you, then erst I burn
More hot, more pure, like wood oft warm before,
But to you burnt to dust can burn no more.
Roberts also notes, following on from May N. Paulissen, that Wroth may in line 6 be alluding by a pun on 'will' to William Herbert, her lover, who is shadowed as Amphilanthus in Urania.
'where': = 'when' in P.
'longings' = 'passions' in P.
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48.
How like a fire doth Loue increaſe in me?
The longer that it laſts the ſtronger ſtill;
The greater, purer, brighter; and doth fill
No eye with wonder more then hopes ſtill bee.
Bred in my breaſt, when fires of Loue are free
To vſe that part to their beſt pleaſing will,
And now vnpoſſible it is to kill
The heate ſo great where Loue his ſtrength doth ſee.
Mine eyes can ſcarce ſuſtaine the flames, my heart
Doth truſt in them my paſſions to impart,
And languiſhingly ſtriue to ſhew my loue.
My breath not able is to breath leaſt part
Of that increaſing fuell of my ſmart;
Yet loue I will, till I but aſhes proue.
Pamphilia.
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48.
How like a fire doth love increase in me,
The longer that it lasts, the stronger still,
The greater, purer, brighter, and doth fill
No eye with wonder more; then hopes still be
Bred in my breast, when fires of love are free
To use that part to their best pleasing will,
And now impossible it is to kill
The heat so great where Love his strength doth see.
Mine eyes can scarce sustain the flames my heart
Doth trust in them my passions to impart,
And languishingly strive to show my love;
My breath not able is to breathe least part
Of that increasing fuel of my smart;
Yet love I will till I but ashes prove.
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Sonett;s̸
Lett griefe as farr bee from your deerest brest
as I doe wish, or in my hands to eaſe;
then showld itt bannist bee, and ſweetest rest
bee plac'ed to giue content by loue to pleaſe,
Lett thoſe diſdaines wch on your hart doe ſeaze
doubly returne to bring her ſoules vnreſt,
ſince true loue will nott that beelou'd displeaſe
or lett least ſmart to theyr minds bee adrest,
Butt often times mistakings bee in loue,
bee they as farr from faulce accuſing right,
and still truthe gouerne, wth a constant might,
ſoe shall you only wished pleaſures proue,
And as for mee, she that showes you least ſcorne
wth all despite, and hate bee her hart torne ; s̸
s̸
|
Sonnet ('Let Grief')
Let grief as far be from your dearest breast
As I do wish, or in my hands to ease,
Then should it banished be and sweetest rest,
Be placed to give content by love to please,
Let those disdains which on your heart do seize
Doubly return to bring her soul's unrest,
Since true love will not that beloved displease
Or let least smart to their minds be addressed,
But often times mistakings be in love,
Be they as far from false accusing right,
And still truth govern with a constant might.
So shall you only wished pleasures prove.
And as for me, she that shows you least scorn,
With all despite and hate be her heart torn.
This sonnet, which begins a new sequence, takes a sombre and perhaps more personal tone.
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Sonnet.
Let griefe as farre be from your deareſt breaſt
As I doe wiſh, or in my hands to eaſe;
Then ſhould it baniſh'd be, and ſweeteſt reſt
Be plac'd to giue content by Loue to pleaſe.
Let thoſe diſdaines which on your heart doe ceaze,
Doubly returne to bring her ſoules vnreſt:
Since true loue will not that belou'd diſpleaſe;
Or let leaſt ſmart to their minds be addrest.
But oftentimes mistakings be in loue.
Be they as farre from falſe accuſing right,
And ſtill truth gouerne with a constant might
So ſhall you only wiſhed pleaſures proue.
And as for me, ſhe that shewes you leaſt ſcorne,
With all deſpite and hate, be her heart torne.
|
Sonnet ('Let Grief')
Let grief as far be from your dearest breast
As I do wish, or in my hands to ease,
Then should it banished be and sweetest rest,
Be placed to give content by love to please,
Let those disdains which on your heart do seize
Doubly return to bring her soul's unrest,
Since true love will not that beloved displease
Or let least smart to their minds be addressed,
But often times mistakings be in love,
Be they as far from false accusing right,
And still truth govern with a constant might.
So shall you only wished pleasures prove.
And as for me, she that shows you least scorn,
With all despite and hate be her heart torn.
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Song s̸.
O mee the time is come to part,
and wth itt my lyfe=killing ſmart
fond hope leaue mee my deer must goe
to meet more ioy, and I more woe;
Wher still of mirth inioye thy fill
one is enough to ſuffer ill
my hart ſoe well to ſorrow=vſ'd
can better bee by new griefe bruſ'd;
Thou whom the heau'ns them ſelues like made
showld neuer ſitt in mourning shade
noe I alone must mourne, and end
who haue a lyfe in grief to spend,
My ſwiftest pace to wayling bent
shews ioye had butt ſome short time lent
to bide in mee wher woes must dwell,
and charme mee wth theyr cruell spell,
And yett when they theyr wichrafts try
they only make mee wish to dy
butt e're my faith in loue they change
in horrid darknes will I range; s̸
|
Song ('O me the time is come')
O me the time is come to part,
And with it my life-killing smart
Fond hope leave me my dear must go
To meet more joy, and I more woe;
Where still of mirth enjoy thy fill
One is enough to suffer ill
My heart so well to sorrow used
Can better be by new grief* bruised;
Thou whom the heavens themselves like made
Should never sit in mourning shade.
No, I alone must mourn, and end
Who have a life in grief to spend,
My swiftest pace to wailing* bent
Shows joy had but some* short time lent
To bide in me where woes must dwell,
And charm me with their cruel spell.
And yet when they their witchcrafts try
They only make me wish to die,
But ere my faith in love they change
In horrid darkness will I range.
This begins a sequence of eight songs. Roberts [P57] notes a parallel with AS song 5: 'My feet are turned to roots, my heart becometh lead:/No witchcraft is so evil as which man's mind destroyeth'.
'grief' = 'griefs' in P.
'wailing' = 'wailings' in P.
'some' = 'a' in P.
|
Song.
O me, the time is come to part,
And with it my life-killing ſmart:
Fond Hope leaue me, my deare muſt goe,
To meete more ioy, and I more woe.
Where ſtill of mirth inioy thy fill,
One is enough to ſuffer ill:
My heart ſo well to ſorrow vs'd,
can better be by new griefes bruis'd.
Thou whom the Heauens themſelues like made,
ſhould neuer ſit in mourning ſhade:
No, I alone muſt mourne and end,
Who haue a life in griefe to ſpend.
My ſwifteſt pace to wailings bent,
Shewes ioy had but a ſhort time lent,
To bide in me where woes must dwell,
And charme me with their cruell ſpell.
And yet when they their witchcrafts trye,
They only make me wiſh to dye:
But ere my faith in loue they change,
In horrid darkneſſe will I range.
|
Song ('O me the time is come')
O me the time is come to part,
And with it my life-killing smart
Fond hope leave me my dear must go
To meet more joy, and I more woe;
Where still of mirth enjoy thy fill
One is enough to suffer ill
My heart so well to sorrow used
Can better be by new griefs bruised;
Thou whom the heavens themselves like made
Should never sit in mourning shade.
No, I alone must mourn, and end
Who have a life in grief to spend,
My swiftest pace to wailings bent
Shows joy had but a short time lent
To bide in me where woes must dwell,
And charm me with their cruel spell.
And yet when they their witchcrafts try
They only make me wish to die
But ere my faith in love they change
In horrid darkness will I range.
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Songs̸
Gon is my ioy while heere I burne
in paines of abſence, and of care,
the heau'ns for my ſad grief doe turne
theyr face to stormes, and show dispayre;
The days ar dark, the nights oprest,
wth cloudlike weeping for my paine,
wch in theyr acting ſeeme destrest
ſighing like griefe for abſent gaine,
The Sunn giues place, and hids his face
that day can now bee hardly knowne,
nor will the starrs in night yeeld grace
to ſunn=lost heau'n by woe o'rethrowne;
Our light is fire in fearfull flames,
the aire tempestious blasts of winde
for warmth wee haue forgott thoſe names
ſuch colde, and stormes are vs aſsinde
And still you bleſsed heau'ns remaine
distemperd while this curſed powre
of abſence rules, wch breeds my paine
lett yor care bee more still to lowre.
Butt when my Sunn doth back returne
call yours againe to giue his light
that they in flames of ioye may burne
Both shining equall in our ſight s̸
s̸
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Song ("Gone is my joy')
Gone is my joy while here I burn*
In pains of absence, and of care,
The heavens for my sad grief* do turn
Their face to storms, and show despair;
The days are dark, the nights oppressed
With cloud-like* weeping for my pain,
Which in their acting seem distressed
Sighing like grief for absent gain,
The sun gives place, and hides* his face
That day can now be hardly known,
Nor will the stars in night yield grace
To sun-lost* heaven by woe o'erthrown;
Our light is fire in fearful flames,
The air tempestuous blasts of wind,
For warmth we have forgot those names*
Such cold,* and storms are us assigned
And still you blessed heavens remain
Distempered while this cursed power
Of absence rules, which breeds* my pain
Let your care be more still to lour.
But when my sun doth back return
Call yours again to give* his light
That they in flames of joy may burn
Both shining equal* in our sight.
In Urania, this song is sung by Pamphilia while she wanders alone (Book Two, fol. 178). [U18]
'burn' = 'mourn' in U.
'grief' = 'griefs' in U.
'cloud-like' = 'cloudly' [cloudily] in U.
'hides': Wroth miswrites 'hids'.
'lost' = 'robbed' in U.
'those names' = 'the name' in U.
'cold' = 'blasts' in U.
'breeds': = 'brings' in U.
'give': = 'lend' in U.
'shining equal: = 'equal shining' in U.
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Gone is my ioy, while here I mourne
In paines of abſence, and of care:
The heauens for my ſad griefes doe turne
Their face to ſtormes, and ſhew deſpaire.
The dayes are darke, the nights oprest
With cloud'ly weeping for my paine,
Which in ſhew acting ſeeme diſtreſt,
Sighing like griefe for abſent gaine.
The Sunne giues place, and hides his face,
That day can now be hardly knowne;
Nor will the ſtarres in night yeeld grace
To Sun-robd heauen by woe o'rethrowne.
Our light is fire in fearefull flames,
The ayre tempestious blasts of wind:
For warmth, we haue forgot the name,
Such blasts and ſtormes are vs aſſind.
And ſtill you bleſſed heauens remaine
Diſtemperd, while this curſed power
Of abſence rules, which brings my paine,
Lest your care be more ſtill to lower.
But when my Sunne doth back returne,
Call yours againe to lend his light,
That they in flames of ioy may burne,
Both equall ſhining in our ſight.
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Song ('Gone is my joy')
Gone is my joy while here I mourn
In pains of absence, and of care,
The heavens for my sad griefs doe turn
Their face to storms, and show despair;
The days are dark, the nights oppressed
With cloudly* weeping for my pain,
Which in their acting seem distressed
Sighing like grief for absent gain,
The sun gives place, and hides his face
That day can now be hardly known,
Nor will the stars in night yield grace
To sun-robbed heaven by woe o'erthrown;
Our light is fire in fearful flames,
The air tempestuous blasts of wind
For warmth we have forgot the name
Such blasts and storms are us assigned
And still you blessed heavens remain
Distempered while this cursed power
Of absence rules, which brings my pain
Let your care be more still to lour.
But when my sun doth back return
Call yours again to lend his light
That they in flames of joy may burn
Both equal shining in our sight.
This song is sung by Pamphilia while she wanders alone: 'her inward thoughts more busy were, and wrought, while this song came into her mind' (Book Two, fol. 178).
Cloudly: weeping like a cloud: cf. 'cloud-like' in the F version.
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Song s̸
Say Venus how long haue I lou'd, and ſeru'd you heere
yett all my paſsions ſcorn'd or doubted allthough cleere
alas thinke loue deſerueth loue, and you haue lou'd
looke on my paines, and ſee if you the like haue prou'd;
Remember then you ar the Goddeſs of deſire,
and that your ſacred powre hath touch'd, and felt this fire,
parſwade thes flames in mee to ceaſe, or them redreſs
in mee, poore mee who stormes of loue haue in exceſs,
My restles nights may show for mee how much I loue
my ſighs vnfain'd can wittnes what my hart doth proue
my ſaddest looks doe show the greife my ſoule indures
yett all thes torments from your hands noe help procures
Command that wayward child your ſonn to grant yor right,
and yt his bowe, and shafts hee yeeld to your fayre ſight
to you who haue the eyes of ioye the hart of loue,
and then new hopes may spring yt I may pitty moue
Lett him nott triumph that hee can both hurt, and ſaue,
and more brag yt to you yor ſelf a wound hee gaue
rule him, or what shall I expect of good to ſee
ſince hee that hurt you, hee alas may murder mee s̸
s̸
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Song ('Say Venus how long')
Say Venus, how long have I loved and served you here,
Yet all my passions scorned or doubted, although clear?
Alas, think love deserveth love, and you have loved;
Look on my pains, and see if you the like have proved.
Remember then you are the Goddess of desire,
And that your sacred power hath touched and felt this fire,
Persuade these flames in me to cease, or them redress
In me, poor me, who storms of love have in excess,
My restless nights may show for me how much I love,
My sighs unfeigned can witness what my heart doth prove,
My saddest looks do show the grief my soul endures,
Yet all these torments from your hands no help procures.
Command that wayward child your son to grant your right,
And that his bow and shafts he yield to your fair sight
To you who have the eyes of joy, the heart of love,
And then new hopes may spring that I may pity move.
Let him not triumph that he can both hurt and save,
And more brag that to you yourself a wound he gave;
Rule him, or what shall I expect of good to see,
Since he that hurt you, he alas may murder me.
This song is rearranged into 6 line stanzas in P. It is another example of the theme of Cupid representing the torments of desire.
Roberts [P58] notes parallels to the depiction of Cupid here in AS 17:
His mother dear, Cupid offended late,
Because that Mars, grown slacker in her love,
With pricking shot he did not thoroughly moue
To keep the place of their first loving state.
Roberts also notes Greville's Caelica, 13:
Cupid, his boy's play many time forbidden
By Venus, who thinks Mars' best manhood boyish,
While he shot all, still for not shooting chidden,
Weeps himself blind to see that sex so churlish.
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Song.
Say Venus how long haue I lou'd, and ſeru'd you heere?
Yet all my paſſions ſcorn'd or doubted, although cleere;
Alas thinke loue deſerueth loue, and you haue lou'd,
Looke on my paines and ſee if you the like haue prou'd:
Remember then you are the Goddeſſe of Deſire,
and that your ſacred powre hath touch'd and felt this fire.
Perſwade theſe flames in me to ceaſe, or them redreſſe
in me (poore me) who ſtormes of loue haue in exceſſe,
My reſtleſſe nights may ſhow for me, how much I lone,
My ſighes vnfaignd, can witnes what my heart doth proue:
My ſaddeſt lookes doe ſhow the griefe my ſoule indures,
Yet all theſe torments from your hands no helpe procures.
Command that wayward Childe your Son to grant your right,
and that his Bow and ſhafts he yeeld to your faire ſight,
To you who haue the eyes of ioy, the heart of loue,
And then new hopes may ſpring, that I may pitty moue:
Let him not triumph that he can both hurt and ſaue,
And more, bragge that to you your ſelfe a wound he gaue.
Rule him, or what ſhall I expect of good to ſee?
Since he that hurt you, he (alas) may murther mee.
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Song ('Say Venus how long')
Say Venus, how long have I loved and served you here,
Yet all my passions scorned or doubted, although clear?
Alas, think love deserveth love, and you have loved;
Look on my pains, and see if you the like have proved.
Remember then you are the Goddess of desire,
And that your sacred power hath touched and felt this fire,
Persuade these flames in me to cease, or them redress
In me, poor me, who storms of love have in excess,
My restless nights may show for me how much I love,
My sighs unfeigned can witness what my heart doth prove,
My saddest looks do show the grief my soul endures,
Yet all these torments from your hands no help procures.
Command that wayward child your son to grant your right,
And that his bow and shafts he yield to your fair sight
To you who have the eyes of joy, the heart of love,
And then new hopes may spring that I may pity move.
Let him not triumph that he can both hurt and save,
And more brag that to you yourself a wound he gave.
Rule him, or what shall I expect of good to see,
Since he that hurt you, he alas may murder me.
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Songs̸
I, that ame of all most crost
hauing, and that had, haue lost,
may wth reaſon thus complaine
ſince loue breeds loue, and lous paine;
That wch I did most deſire
to allay my louing fire
I may haue, yett now must miſs
ſince an other ruler is:
Would that I noe ruler had,
or the ſeruice nott ſoe bad,
then might I, wth blis inioy
that wch now my hopes destroy;
And that wished pleaſure gott
brings wt itt the ſweetest lott
I, that must nott taste the best
fed must sterue, and restles rest s̸
s̸
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Song ('I that am one of all most crossed')
I, that am of all most crossed
Having, and that had, have lost,
May with reason thus complain
Since love breeds love, and love's pain;
That which I did most desire
To allay my loving fire
I may have, yet now must miss
Since another ruler is:
Would that I no ruler had,
Or the service not so bad,
Then might I with bliss enjoy
That which now my hopes destroy;
And that wished* pleasure got
Brings with it the sweetest lot:
I, that must not taste the best,
Fed must starve, and restless rest.
'wished' = 'wicked' in P
The paradoxes of the last line are typical of Petrarchan imagery about love.
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Song.
[transcription note: entire song is indented]
I that am of all moſt croſt,
Hauing, and that had haue loſt,
May with reaſon thus complaine,
Since loue breeds loue, and Loues paine.
That which I did moſt deſire,
To allay my louing fire,
I may haue, yet now muſt miſſe,
Since another Ruler is.
Would that I no Ruler had,
Or the ſeruice not ſo bad,
Then might I with bliſſe enioy
That which now my hopes deſtroy.
And that wicked pleaſure got,
Brings with it the ſweeteſt lot:
I that muſt not taſte the beſt,
Fed, muſt ſtarue, and reſtleſſe reſt.
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Song ('I that am one of all most crossed')
I, that am of all most crossed
Having, and that had, have lost,
May with reason thus complain
Since love breeds love, and love's pain;
That which I did most desire
To allay my loving fire
I may have, yet now must miss
Since another ruler is:
Would that I no ruler had,
Or the service not so bad,
Then might I with bliss enjoy
That which now my hopes destroy;
And that wicked pleasure got
Brings with it the sweetest lot:
I, that must not taste the best,
Fed must starve, and restless rest.
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.Song.s̸
Loue as well can make abiding
in a faythfull sheapheards brest
as in Princeſe whoſe thoughts sliding
like ſwift riuers neuer rest
chang to theyr minds is best feeding
to a sheapheard all his care
Who when his loue is exceeding
thinks his faith his richest fare;
Beauty butt a slight inuiting
can nott stirr his hart to chang
constancy his chiefe delighting
striues to fly from phantſies strang
fairnes to him is noe pleaſure
if in other then his loue
nor can esteeme that a treſure
wch in her ſmiles doth nott moue:
This a sheapheard once confeſsed
who lou'd well, butt was nott lou'd
though wth ſcorne, and griefe opreſsed
could nott yett to chang bee mou'd
butt him ſelf thus hee contented
While in loue he was accurst
this hard hap hee nott repented
ſince best louers speed the wurst s̸
s̸
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Song ('Love as well can make abiding')
Love as well can make abiding
In a faithful shepherd's breast
As in princes, whose thoughts sliding
Like swift rivers never rest,
Change to their minds is best feeding,
To a shepherd all his care
Who when his love is exceeding
Thinks his faith his richest fare;
Beauty but a slight inviting
Cannot stir his heart to change
Constancy his chief delighting
Strives to fly* from fancies strange,
Fairness to him is no pleasure
If in other than his love
Nor can esteem that a treasure
Which in her smiles doth not move:
This a shepherd once confessed
Who loved well, but was not loved
Though with scorn, and grief oppressed
Could not yet to change be moved
But himself thus he* contented
While in love he was accursed
This hard hap he not repented
Since best lovers speed the worst.
This song is changed to quatrains in P. Roberts [P60] notes its similarity to RS Pastoral 9, where the speaker proclaims:
Thus while the world's fair frame such change approves,
She will be as false as it be, and as fair:
Thus from one mischief while another moves,
I feel the ills which worst cannot impair.
The effect in Mary Wroth is quite different, given that Robert Wroth's shepherd continues the male voice of his sonnets, while for Mary Wroth the male voice contrasts with the speaker of the sonnets and most of the songs.
'fly' = 'flee' in P.
'thus he' = 'he thus' in P.
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Song.
[transcription note: entire song indented]
Loue as well can make abiding
In a faithfull Shepheards breſt
As in Princes: whoſe thoughts ſliding
Like ſwift Riuers neuer reſt.
Change to their minds is best feeding,
To a Shepheard all his care,
Who when his Loue is exceeding,
Thinks his faith his richest fare.
Beauty but a ſlight inuiting,
Cannot ſtirre his heart to change;
Conſtancye his chiefe delighting,
Striues to flee from fant'ſies ſtrange,
Fairneſſe to him is no pleaſure,
If in other then his loue;
Nor can eſteeme that a treaſure,
Which in her ſmiles doth not moue.
This a Shepheard once confeſſed,
Who lou'd well, but was not lou'd:
Though with ſcorne & griefe oppreſſed
could not yet to change be mou'd.
But himſelfe he thus contented,
While in loue he was accurſt:
This hard hap he not repented,
Since beſt Louers ſpeed the worſt.
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Song ('Love as well can make abiding')
Love as well can make abiding
In a faithful shepherd's breast
As in princes, whose thoughts sliding
Like swift rivers never rest,
Change to their minds is best feeding,
To a shepherd all his care
Who when his love is exceeding
Thinks his faith his richest fare;
Beauty but a slight inviting
Cannot stir his heart to change
Constancy his chief delighting
Strives to flee from fancies strange,
Fairness to him is no pleasure
If in other than his love
Nor can esteem that a treasure
Which in her smiles doth not move:
This a shepherd once confessed
Who loved well, but was not loved
Though with scorn, and grief oppressed
Could not yet to change be moved
But himself he thus contented
While in love he was accursed
This hard hap he not repented
Since best lovers speed the worst
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Songs̸
Deerest if I by my deſeruing
may maintaine in your thoughts my loue,
Lett mee itt still inioy
nor faith destroy
Butt, pitty loue wher itt doth moue,
Lett noe other new [link: to note in Fmod62-n] loue inuite you
to leaue mee who ſoe long haue ſeru'd,
Nor lett yor powre decline
butt purely shine
On, mee, who haue all truth preſeru'd;
Or had you once found my hart straying
then would nott I accuſe your chang,
Butt beeing constant still
itt needs must kill
One, whoſe ſoule knowes nott how to rang;
Yett may you loues ſweet ſmiles recouer
ſince all loue is nott yett quite lost
Butt tempt nott loue too long
least ſoe great wrong
Make him think hee is too much crost s̸
s̸
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F Song ('Dearest if I by my deserving')
Dearest if I by my deserving
May maintain in your thoughts my love,
Let me it still enjoy
Nor faith destroy,
But pity love where it doth move.
Let no other new* love invite you
To leave me who so long have served,
Nor let your power decline
But purely shine
On, me, who have all truth preserved;
Or had you once found my heart straying
Then would not I accuse your change,
But being constant still
It needs must kill
One, whose soul knows not how to range;
Yet may you love's sweet smiles recover
Since all love is not yet quite lost
But tempt not love too long
Lest so great wrong
Make him think he is too much crossed.
'new': written in above the line; incorporated into P.
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Song.
Deareſt if I by my deſeruing,
May maintaine in your thoughts my loue,
Let me it still enioy;
Nor faith deſtroy:
But pitty Loue where it doth moue.
Let no other new Loue inuite you,
To leaue me who ſo long haue ſerud:
Nor let your power decline
But purely ſhine
On me, who haue all truth preſeru'd.
Or had you once found my heart ſtraying,
Then would not I accuſe your change,
But being conſtant ſtill
It needs muſt kill
One, whoſe ſoule knowes not how to range.
Yet may you Loues ſweet ſmiles recouer,
Since all loue is not yet quite loſt,
But tempt not Loue too long
Leſt ſo great wrong
Make him thinke he is too much croſt.
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Song ("Dearest if I by my deserving')
Dearest if I by my deserving
May maintain in your thoughts my love,
Let me it still enjoy
Nor faith destroy,
But pity love where it doth move.
Let no other new love invite you
To leave me who so long have served,
Nor let your power decline
But purely shine
On, me, who have all truth preserved;
Or had you once found my heart straying
Then would not I accuse your change,
But being constant still
It needs must kill
One, whose soul knows not how to range;
Yet may you love's sweet smiles recover
Since all love is not yet quite lost
But tempt not love too long
Lest so great wrong
Make him think he is too much crossed.
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Song s̸
Who can blame mee if I loue
ſince loue beefore the world did moue?
When I lou'd nott, I dispaird;
ſcarce for hanſomnes I car'd,
ſince, ſoe much I ame refin'd
as new form'd of state, and mind;
Who can=
Some, in truth of loue beeguil'de
haue him blinde, and childish stil'de,
butt lett non in this perſist
ſince ſoe iudging, iudgment mist;
Who can=
Loue in Chaoſe did appeere,
when nothing was, hee ſeem'd cleere,
nor when light could bee deſeride
to his crowne a light was ty'de;
Who can=
Loue is truth, and doth delight
wher as honor shines most bright,
Reaſons ſelf doth loue aproue
wch makes vs our ſelues to loue;
Who can=
Could I my past time beegin̅
I would nott committ ſuch ſin̅
to liue howre, and nott to loue
ſince loue makes vs parfaite proue; s̸
Who can= s̸
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Song ('Who can blame me if I love')
Who can blame me if I love
Since love before the world did move?
When I loved not, I despaired;
Scarce for handsomeness I cared,
Since, so much I am refined
As new formed* of state, and mind;
Who can=*
Some, in truth of love beguiled
Have him blind, and childish styled,
But let none in this persist
Since so judging, judgment missed;
Who can=
Love in chaos did appear,
When nothing was, he* seemed clear,
Nor when light could be descried
To his crown a light was tied;
Who can=
Love is truth, and doth delight
Whereas honour shines most bright,
Reason's self doth love approve
Which makes us ourselves to love;
Who can=
Could I my past time begin
I would not commit such sin
To live hour,* and not to love
Since love makes us perfect prove;
Who can=
In Urania this song is sung by a shepherd with the chorus being sung by his companions (Book 1, fols. 144-5). [U14]
'formed' = 'framed' in U.
'Who can =': written out in U as 'Who can blame me', but the abbreviation underlines the fact that this is a song, with song choruses often abbreviated in this way when written/printed: the implication is that the chorus consist of the first two lines: 'Who can blame me if I love/Since love before the world did move.'
'he' = 'yet he' in U.
'hour' = 'an hour' in U.
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Who can blame me if I loue?
Since Loue before the World did moue.
When I loued not, I deſpair'd,
Scarce for handſomeneſſe I car'd;
Since ſo much I am refin'd,
As new fram'd of ſtate, and mind,
Who can blame me if I loue,
Since Loue before the World did moue.
Some in truth of Loue beguil'd
Haue him blinde and Childiſh ſtil'd:
But let none in theſe perſiſt,
Since ſo iudging iudgement miſt,
Who can blame me?
Loue in Chaos did appeare
When nothing was, yet he ſeemd cleare:
Nor when light could be deſcride,
To his crowne a light was tide.
Who can blame me?
Loue is truth, and doth delight,
Where as honour ſhines moſt bright:
Reaſons ſelfe doth loue approue,
Which makes vs our ſelues to loue.
Who can blame me?
Could I my paſt time begin,
I would not commit ſuch ſin
To liue an houre, and not to loue,
Since loue makes vs perfect proue,
Who can blame me?
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Song ('Who can blame me if I love')
Who can blame me if I love
Since love before the world did move?
When I loved not, I despaired;
Scarce for handsomeness I cared,
Since, so much I am refined
As new framed of state, and mind;
Who can blame me if I love,
Since love before the world did move?
Some, in truth of love beguiled
Have him blind, and childish styled,
But let none in this persist
Since so judging, judgment missed;
Who can blame me?
Love in chaos did appear,
When nothing was, yet he seemed clear,
Nor when light could be descried
To his crown a light was tied;
Who can blame me?
Love is truth, and doth delight
Whereas honour shines most bright,
Reason's self doth love approve
Which makes us ourselves to love;
Who can blame me?
Could I my past time begin
I would not commit such sin
To live an hour, and not to love
Since love makes us perfect prove;
Who can blame me?
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Song s̸
Fairest, and still truest eyes
can you the lights bee, and the spies
of my deſires?
Can you shine cleere for loues delight,
and yett the breeders bee of spite,
and iealous fires?
Mark what lookes doe you beehold,
ſuch as by iealouſie are told
they want your loue:
See how they sparcle in distrust
wch by a heat of thoughts vniust
in them doe moue;
Learne to guide your courſe by art
chang your eyes into your hart,
and patient bee
Till fruitles iealouſie giues leaue
by ſafest abſence to receaue
what you would ſee;
Then lett loue his triumph haue,
and ſuspition ſuch a graue
as nott to moue,
While wished freedome brings that bliſs
that you inioy what all ioy is
happy to loue; s̸
s̸
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Song ('Fairest, and still truest eyes')
Fairest, and still truest eyes
Can you the lights be, and the spies
Of my desires?
Can you shine clear for love's delight,
And yet the breeders be of spite,
And jealous fires?
Mark what looks do you behold,
Such as by jealousy are told
They want your love:
See how they sparkle in distrust
Which by a heat of thoughts unjust
In them do move;
Learn to guide your course by art
Change your eyes into your heart,
And patient be
Till fruitless jealousy gives* leave
By safest absence to receive
What you would see;
Then let love his triumph have,
And suspicion such a grave
As not to move,
While wished freedom brings that bliss
That you enjoy what all joy is
Happy to love.
'gives': = 'give' in P.
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Song.
[transcription note: the indents in this song are inconsistent in depth]
[transcription note: entire song is indented from right]
Faireſt and ſtill trueſt eyes,
Can you the lights be, and the ſpies
Of my deſires?
Can you ſhine cleare for Loues delight,
And yet the breeders be of ſpight,
And Iealous fires?
Marke what lookes doe you behold,
Such as by Iealouſie are told
They want your Loue.
See how they ſparckle in diſtruſt,
Which by a heate of thoughts vniuſt
In them doe mooue.
Learne to guide your courſe by Art,
Change your eyes into your heart,
And patient be:
Till fruitleſſe Ielouſie giue leaue,
By ſafest abſence to receiue
What you would ſee.
Then let Loue his triumph haue,
And Suſpition ſuch a graue,
As not to mooue.
While wiſhed freedome brings that bliſſe
That you enioy what all ioy is
Happy to Loue.
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Song ('Fairest, and still truest eyes')
Fairest, and still truest eyes
Can you the lights be, and the spies
Of my desires?
Can you shine clear for love's delight,
And yet the breeders be of spite,
And jealous fires?
Mark what looks do you behold,
Such as by jealousy are told
They want your love:
See how they sparkle in distrust
Which by a heat of thoughts unjust
In them do move;
Learn to guide your course by art
Change your eyes into your heart,
And patient be
Till fruitless jealousy give leave
By safest absence to receive
What you would see;
Then let love his triumph have,
And suspicion such a grave
As not to move,
While wished freedom brings that bliss
That you enjoy what all joy is
Happy to love.
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Dialogue s̸
Sheapherd, and Sheapherdeſs s̸
[transcription note: She: and Sh:2. are notations made beside the lines inside the margin - see Img 023455]
She: Deare how doe thy wining eyes
my ſences wholy ty?
sh:2. ſence of ſight wherin most lies
chang, and variety,
she: chang in mee?
sh:2 choyſe in thee ſome new delight to try;
she: When I chang, or chuſe butt thee
then changed bee mine eyes;
sh:2 If you abſent ſee nott mee
will you nott breake thes tyes?
she: how can I
from thence fly wher ſuch parfection lies?
sh:2 I must yett more try thy loue
how if yt I should chang?
she: in thy hart can neuer moue
a thought ſoe ill, ſoe strang,
sh:2 ſay I dy?
she: neuer I would from thy loue estrang;
sh:2 Dead what could'st thou loue in mee
when hope, wt lyfe were fled?
she: Beauty, worth, and fayth in thee
wch liue will, though thou dead:
sh:2 beauty dies.
she: nott wher lies a minde ſoe richly sped:
sh:2 Thou dost speake ſoe faire, ſoe kind
I can nott chuſe butt trust:
she: none vnto ſoe chaste a minde
should euer bee vniust
sh:2 Then thus rest
true poſsest of loue wtout mistrust s̸
s̸
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'Dialogue'
Dialogue
Shepherd, and Shepherdess
She: Dear how do thy wining eyes
My senses wholly tie?
sh:2. Sense of sight wherein most lies
Change, and variety.
she: Change in me?
sh:2 Choice in thee some new delight* to try.
she: When I change, or choose but thee
Then changed be mine eyes.
sh:2 If* you absent see not me
Will you not break these ties?
she: How can I
From thence* fly where such perfection lies?
sh:2 I must yet more try thy love
How if that I should change?
she: In thy heart can never move
A thought so ill, so strange.
sh:2 Say I die?
she: Never I would* from thy love estrange.
sh:2 Dead what could'st* thou love in me
When hope, with life were* fled?
she: Beauty, worth, and* faith in thee
Which live will, though thou dead.
sh:2 Beauty dies.
she: Not where lies a mind so richly sped:
sh:2 Thou dost speak so fair, so kind
I cannot choose but trust.
she: None unto so chaste a mind
Should ever be unjust.
sh:2 Then thus rest
True possessed of love without mistrust.
In Urania this dialogue is moved to the conclusion of Book One, fol.143, [U12] where it forms part of the eclogues (pastoral songs) held to honour the release of the female characters from their captivity in the Throne of Love. Roberts notes a parallel with RS Pastoral 2.
'delight' = 'delights' in U.
'If': = 'When' in U.
'from thence': = 'Ever' in U.
'would': = 'could' in U.
'could'st': = 'canst' in U.
'were': = 'is' in U.
'Beauty, worth, and': = 'Virtue, beauty' in U.
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Sh. Deare, how doe thy winning eyes
my ſenſes wholly tye?
She. Senſe of ſight wherein moſt lyes
change, and Variety.
Sh. Change in me?
She. Choice in thee ſome new delights to try.
She. When I change or chooſe but thee
then changed be mine eyes.
She. When you abſent, ſee not me,
will you not breake theſe tyes?
Sh. How can I,
euer flye, where ſuch perfection lies?
She. I muſt yet more try thy loue,
how if that I ſhould change?
Sh. In thy heart can neuer mooue
a thought ſo ill, ſo ſtrange.
She. Say I dye?
Sh. Neuer I, could from thy loue eſtrange.
She. Dead, what canſt thou loue in me,
when hope, with life is fledd?
Sh. Vertue, beauty, faith in thee,
which liue will, though thou dead,
She. Beauty dyes.
Sh. Not where lyes a minde ſo richly ſpedd.
She. Thou doſt ſpeake ſo faire, ſo kind,
I cannot choſe but truſt,
Sh. None vnto ſo chaſte a minde
ſhould euer be vniuſt.
She. Then thus reſt,
true poſſeſt, of loue without miſtruſt.
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Dialogue
She: Dear how do thy wining eyes
My senses wholly tie?
sh:2. Sense of sight wherein most lies
Change, and variety.
she: Change in me?
sh:2 Choice in thee some new delights to try.
she: When I change, or choose but thee
Then changed be mine eyes.
sh:2 When you absent see not me
Will you not break these ties?
she: How can I
Ever fly where such perfection lies?
sh:2 I must yet more try thy love
How if that I should change?
she: In thy heart can never move
A thought so ill, so strange.
sh:2 Say I die?
she: Never I could from thy love estrange.
sh:2 Dead what canst thou love in me
When hope, with life is fled?
she: Virtue, beauty, faith in thee
Which live will, though thou dead.
sh:2 Beauty dies.
she: Not where lies a mind so richly sped:
sh:2 Thou dost speak so fair, so kind
I cannot choose but trust.
she: None unto so chaste a mind
Should ever be unjust.
sh:2 Then thus rest
True possessed of love without mistrust.
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Sonett s̸ I.
In night yett may wee ſee ſome kind of light
when as the Moone doth pleaſe to show her face,
and in the Sunns roome yeelds her ſight, and grace
wch otherwiſe must ſuffer dullest night;
Soe ar my fortunes, bard from true delight
colde, and vnſertaine, like to this strang place,
decreaſing, changing in an instant space,
and euen att full of ioy turn'd to despite;
Iustly on Fortune was beestow'd the wheele
Whoſe fauors ficle, and vnconstant reele;
drunk wth delight of chang, and ſodaine paine;
Wher pleaſure hath noe ſettled place of stay
butt turning still for our best hopes decay,
And this (alas) wee louers often gaine; s̸
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Sonnet 1
In night yet may we see some kind of light
When as the moon doth please to show her face,
And in the sun's room yields her sight, and grace
Which otherwise must suffer dullest night;
So are my fortunes, barred from true delight
Cold, and uncertain, like to this strange place,
Decreasing, changing in an instant space,
And even at* full of joy turned to despite;
Justly on Fortune was bestowed the wheel
Whose favours, fickle, and unconstant, reel,
Drunk with delight of change, and sudden pain;
Where pleasure hath no settled place of stay
But turning still, for our best hopes decay,
And this (alas) we lovers often gain.
This is the beginning of a sequence of ten sonnets following on from a sequence of songs.
'at': probably an error and should be deleted.
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Sonnet. I.
In night yet may we ſee ſome kinde of light,
When as the Moone doth pleaſe to ſhew her face,
And in the Sunns roome yeelds her light, and grace,
Which otherwiſe muſt ſuffer dulleſt night:
So are my fortunes barrd from true delight,
Cold, and vncertaine, like to this ſtrange place,
Decreaſing, changing in an inſtant ſpace,
And euen at full of ioy turnd to deſpight.
Iuſtly on Fortune was beſtowd the Wheele,
Whoſe fauours fickle, and vnconſtant reele,
Drunke with delight of change and ſudden paine;
Where pleaſure hath no ſetled place of ſtay,
But turning ſtill, for our beſt hopes decay,
And this (alas) we louers often gaine.
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Sonnet 1
In night yet may we see some kind of light
When as the moon doth please to show her face,
And in the sun's room yields her sight, and grace
Which otherwise must suffer dullest night;
So are my fortunes, barred from true delight
Cold, and uncertain, like to this strange place,
Decreasing, changing in an instant space,
And even at full of joy turned to despite;
Justly on Fortune was bestowed the wheel
Whose favours, fickle, and unconstant, reel;
Drunk with delight of change, and sudden pain;
Where pleasure hath no settled place of stay
But turning still, for our best hopes decay,
And this (alas) we lovers often gain.
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2.
Truly poore Night thou wellcome art to mee:
I loue thee better in this ſad attire
then yt wch raiſeth ſome mens phant'ſies higher
like painted outſids wch foule inward bee;
I loue thy graue, and ſaddest lookes to ſee,
wch ſeems my ſoule, and dying hart intire,
like to the ashes of ſome happy fire
that flam'd in ioy, butt quench'd in miſerie;
I loue thy count'nance, and thy ſober=pace
wch euenly goes, and as of louing grace
to vſs, and mee among the rest oprest
Giues quiet, peace to my poore ſelf alone,
and freely grants day leaue when thou art gone
to giue cleere light to ſee all ill redrest; s̸
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Sonnet 2
Truly poor Night thou welcome art to me:
I love thee better in this sad attire
Than that which raiseth some men's fancies higher
Like painted outsides which foul inward be;
I love thy grave and saddest looks to see,
Which seems my soul, and dying heart entire,
Like to the ashes of some happy fire
That flamed in joy, but quenched in misery;
I love thy countenance, and thy sober pace
Which evenly goes, and as of loving grace
To us, and me among the rest oppressed
Gives quiet, peace to my poor self alone,
And freely grants day leave when thou art gone
To give clear light to see all ill redressed.
This sonnet is moved to become Number 15 in the first sequence in P. In F, it follows the previous sonnet in its treatment of night.
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15.
Truely (poore night) thou welcome art to me,
I loue thee better in this ſad attire
Then that which rayſeth ſome mens fant'ſies higher,
Like painted outſides, which foule inward be.
I loue thy graue and ſaddeſt lookes to ſee,
Which ſeems my ſoule and dying heart entire,
Like to the aſhes of ſome happy fire,
That flam'd in ioy, but quench'd in miſery.
I loue thy count'nance, and thy ſober pace,
Which euenly goes, and as of louing grace
To vs, and mee, among the reſt oppreſt,
Giues quiet peace to my poore ſelfe alone,
And freely grants day leaue; when thou art gone,
To giue cleare light, to ſee all ill redreſt.
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15.
Truly poor Night thou welcome art to me:
I love thee better in this sad attire
Than that which raiseth some men's fancies higher
Like painted outsides which foul inward be;
I love thy grave and saddest looks to see,
Which seems my soul, and dying heart entire,
Like to the ashes of some happy fire
That flamed in joy, but quenched in misery;
I love thy countenance, and thy sober pace
Which evenly goes, and as of loving grace
To us, and me among the rest oppressed.
Gives quiet, peace to my poor self alone,
And freely grants day leave when thou art gone,
To give clear light to see all ill redressed.
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3.
Deare cherish this, and wth itt my ſoules will,
nor for itt rann away doe itt abuſe,
alas itt left poore mee your brest to chuſe
as the blest shrine wher itt would harbour still;
Then fauor shew, and nott vnkindly kill
the hart wch fled to you, butt doe excuſe
that wch for better, did the wurſe refuſe,
and pleaſ'd I'le bee, though hartles my lyfe spill,
Butt if you will bee kind, and iuſt indeed,
ſend mee your hart wch in mines place shall feed
on faithfull loue to your deuotion bound;
Ther shall itt ſee the ſacrifiſes made
of pure, and spottles loue wch shall nott vade
while ſoule, and body are together found; s̸
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Sonnet 3
Dear, cherish this, and with it my soul's will,
Nor for it ran away do it abuse,
Alas, it left poor me your breast to choose
As the blest* shrine where it would harbour still;
Then favour show, and not unkindly kill
The heart which fled to you, but do excuse
That which for better, did the worse refuse,
And pleased I'll be, though heartless my life spill,
But if you will be kind, and just indeed,
Send me your heart which in mine's place shall feed
On faithful love to your devotion bound;
There shall it see the sacrifices made
Of pure, and spotless love which shall not fade*
While soul, and body are together found.
In P this sonnet is moved back in the sequence to become sonnet 26. The sonnet plays with the idea of a 'migrating' heart ('this') to represent love.
'blest' = 'best' in P.
'fade': Wroth uses 'vade' an archaic version of fade.
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26.
Deare cheriſh this, and with it my ſoules will,
Nor for it ran away doe it abuſe:
Alas it left (poore me) your breſt to chooſe,
As the beſt ſhrine, where it would harbour ſtill.
Then fauour ſhew, and not vnkindly kill
The heart which fled to you, but doe excuſe
That which for better did the worſe refuſe;
And pleas'd Ile be, though heartleſſe my life ſpill.
But if you will bee kinde and iuſt indeed,
Send me your heart, which in mine's place ſhall feede
On faithfull loue to your deuotion bound,
There ſhall it ſee the ſacrifices made
Of pure and ſpotleſſe Loue, which ſhall not vade,
While ſoule and body are together found.
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26.
Dear, cherish this, and with it my soul's will,
Nor for it ran away do it abuse,
Alas, it left poor me your breast to choose
As the best shrine where it would harbour still;
Then favour show, and not unkindly kill
The heart which fled to you, but do excuse
That which for better, did the worse refuse,
And pleased I'll be, though heartless my life spill,
But if you will be kind, and just indeed,
Send me your heart which in mine's place shall feed
On faithful love to your devotion bound;
There shall it see the sacrifices made
Of pure, and spotless love which shall not fade
While soul, and body are together found.
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4.
Cruell ſuspition, O! bee now att rest
lett dayly torments bring to thee ſome stay
alas make nott my ill thy eaſe=full pray,
nor giue looſe raines to rage when loue's oprest
I ame by care ſufficiently distrest
noe rack can strech my hart more, nor a way
can I find out for least content to lay,
one happy foote of ioye, one step thats blest;
Butt to my end thou fly'st wt greedy eye,
ſeeking to bring griefe by bace iealouſie,
O in how strang a cage ame I kept in?
Noe little ſigne of fauor can I proue
butt must bee way'de, and turnd to wronging loue,
and wth each humor must my state begin; s̸
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Sonnet 4.
Cruel suspicion, O! be now at rest,
Let daily torments bring to thee some stay
Alas make not my ill thy easeful prey,
Nor give loose reins to rage when love's oppressed.
I am by care sufficiently distressed,
No rack can stretch my heart more, nor a way
Can I find out for least content to lay
One happy foot of joy, one step that's blessed;
But to my end thou fliest with greedy eye,
Seeking to bring grief by base jealousy,
O in how strange a cage am I kept in?
No little sign of favour can I prove
But must be weighed, and turned to wronging love,
And with each humour must my state begin.
Roberts [P66] notes a parallel image of the dungeon from AS104:
Thence, so far thence, that scantly any spark
Of comfort dare come to this dungeon dark,
Where Rigour's exile locks up al my sense?
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4.
Cruell Suſpition, O! be now at reſt,
Let daily torments bring to thee ſome ſtay,
Alas, make not my ill thy eaſe-full pray,
Nor giue looſe raines to Rage, when Loue's oppreſt.
I am by care ſufficiently diſtreſt,
No Racke can ſtretch my heart more, nor a way
Can I finde out, for leaſt content to lay
One happy foot of ioy, one ſtep that's bleſt.
But to my end thou fly'ſt with greedy eye,
Seeking to bring griefe by baſe Iealouſie;
O, in how ſtrange a Cage am I kept in?
No little ſigne of fauour can I prooue,
But muſt be way'd, and turn'd to wronging loue,
And with each humour muſt my ſtate begin.
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Sonnet 4.
Cruel suspicion, O! be now at rest,
Let daily torments bring to thee some stay,
Alas make not my ill thy easeful prey,
Nor give loose reins to rage when love's oppressed.
I am by care sufficiently distressed
No rack can stretch my heart more, nor a way
Can I find out for least content to lay,
One happy foot of joy, one step that's blessed;
But to my end thou flyest with greedy eye,
Seeking to bring grief by base jealousy,
O in how strange a cage am I kept in?
No little sign of favour can I prove
But must be weighed, and turned to wronging love,
And with each humour must my state begin.
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5.
How many nights haue I wt paine indur'd
wch as ſoe many ages I esteem'd
ſince my miſfortune? yett noe whitt redeem'd
butt rather faster tide, to griefe aſsur'd?
How many howrs haue my ſad thoughts indur'd
of killing paines? yett is itt nott esteem'd
by cruell loue, who might haue thes redeem'd,
and all thes yeers of howres to ioy aſsur'd:
Butt fond child, had hee had a care to ſaue
as first to conquer, this my pleaſures graue
had nott bin now to testify my woe;
I might haue bin an Image of delight,
as now a Tombe for ſad miſfortunes spite,
Wch Loue vnkindly for reward doth showe s̸
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Sonnet 5.
How many nights have I with pain endured,
Which as so many ages I esteemed
Since my misfortune, yet no whit redeemed
But rather faster tied, to grief assured?
How many hours have my sad thoughts endured
Of killing pains, yet is it not esteemed
By cruel love, who might have these redeemed,
And all these years of hours to joy assured:
But fond child, had he had a care to save
As first to conquer, this my pleasures grave
Had not been now to testify my woe;
I might have been an Image of delight,
As now a tomb for sad misfortune's spite,
Which Love unkindly for reward doth show.
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5.
How many nights haue I with paine endurd?
Which as ſo many Ages I eſteem'd,
Since my misfortune, yet no whit redeem'd
But rather faſter ty'de, to griefe aſſur'd.
How many houres haue my ſad thoughts endur'd
Of killing paines? yet is it not eſteem'd
By cruell Loue, who might haue theſe redeemd,
And all theſe yeeres of houres to ioy aſſur'd.
But fond Childe, had he had a care to ſaue,
As firſt to conquer, this my pleaſures graue,
Had not beene now to teſtifie my woe.
I might haue beene an Image of delight,
As now a Tombe for ſad misfortunes ſpight,
Which Loue vnkindly, for reward doth ſhow.
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Sonnet 5.
How many nights have I with pain endured,
Which as so many ages I esteemed
Since my misfortune, yet no whit redeemed
But rather faster tied, to grief assured?
How many hours have my sad thoughts endured
Of killing pains, yet is it not esteemed
By cruel love, who might have these redeemed,
And all these years of hours to joy assured:
But fond child, had he had a care to save
As first to conquer, this my pleasures grave
Had not been now to testify my woe;
I might have been an Image of delight,
As now a tomb for sad misfortune's spite,
Which Love unkindly for reward doth show.
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6.
Sleepe fy poſseſs mee nott, nor doe nott fright
mee wth thy heauy, and thy deathlike might
for counterfetting's vilder then deaths ſight,
and ſuch deluding more my thoughts doe spite
Thou ſuff'rest faulsest shapes my ſoule t'affright
ſome times in liknes of a hopefull spright,
and oft times like my loue as in dispite
Ioying thou canst wt mallice kill delight,
When I (a poore foole made by thee) think ioy
itt is while thy fond shadows doe destroy
my that while ſenceles ſelf; then left to thee,
Butt now doe well, lett mee for euer sleepe,
and ſoe for euer that deare Image keepe,
Or still wake, that my ſences may bee free s̸
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Sonnet 6.
Sleep fie possess me not, nor do not fright
Me with thy heavy, and thy deathlike might,
For counterfeiting's viler than death's sight,
And such deluding more my thoughts do spite.
Thou sufferest falsest shapes my soul t'affright
Sometimes in likeness of a hopeful sprite,
And oft times like my love as in despite
Joying thou canst with malice kill delight,
When I (a poor fool made by thee) think joy
It is while* thy fond shadows do destroy
My that-while senseless self; then left* to thee,
But now do well, let me for ever sleep,
And so forever that dear Image keep,
Or still wake, that my senses may be free.
This sonnet is moved in P to become 16 [P18] on fol. 9.
'it is, while' = 'doth flow when' in P.
'then left' = 'left free' in P.
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16.
Sleepe fye poſſeſſe me not, nor doe not fright
me with thy heauy, and thy deathlike might:
For counterfetting's vilder then death's ſight;
And ſuch deluding more my thoughts doe ſpight.
Thou ſuffer'ſt falſeſt ſhapes my ſoule t'affright,
Sometimes in likeneſſe of of a hopefull ſpright;
And oft times like my Loue, as in deſpight;
Ioying, thou canſt with malice kill delight.
When I (a poore foole made by thee) thinke ioy
Doth flow, when thy fond ſhadowes doe deſtroy
My that while ſenceleſſe ſelfe, left free to thee.
But now doe well, let me for euer ſleepe,
And ſo for euer that deere Image keepe
Or ſtill wake that my ſenſes may be free.
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16.
Sleep fie possess me not, nor do not fright
Me with thy heavy, and thy deathlike might
For counterfeiting's viler than death's sight,
And such deluding more my thoughts do spite.
Thou sufferest falsest shapes my soul t'affright
Sometimes in likeness of a hopeful sprite,
And oft times like my love as in despite
Joying thou canst with malice kill delight,
When I (a poor fool made by thee) think joy
Doth flow when thy fond shadows do destroy
My that-while senseless self; left free to thee,
But now do well, let me for ever sleep,
And so forever that dear Image keep,
Or still wake, that my senses may be free.
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7.
An end fond iealouſie alas I know
thy hidenest, and thy most ſecrett art
thou canst noe new inuention frame butt part
I haue allreddy ſeene, and felt wt woe;
All thy diſsemblings wch by fained show
wunn my beeleefe, while truth did rule my hart
I, wth glad mind imbrace'd, and deemd my ſmart
the spring of ioy, whoſe streames wth bliſs should flow;
I thought excuſes had bin reaſons true,
and that noe faulcehood could of thee enſue;
ſoe ſoone beeleefe in honest minds is wrought;
Butt now I find thy flattery, and skill,
wch idly made mee to obſerue thy will;
thus is my learning by my bondage bought s̸
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Sonnet 7.
An end fond jealousy; alas I know
Thy hiddenest, and thy most secret art.
Thou canst no new invention frame but part
I have already seen, and felt with woe;
All thy dissemblings which by feigned show
Won my belief, while truth did rule my heart
I, with glad mind embraced, and deemed my smart
The spring of joy, whose streams with bliss should flow;
I thought excuses had been reasons true,
And that no falsehood could of thee ensue;
So soon belief in honest minds is wrought;
But now I find thy flattery, and skill,
Which idly made me to observe thy will;
Thus is my learning by my bondage bought.
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7.
An end fond Ielouſie, alas I know
Thy hiddeneſt, and thy moſt ſecret Art,
Thou canſt no new inuention frame but part,
I haue already ſeene, and felt with woe.
All thy diſſemblings, which by faigned ſhowe,
Wonne my beliefe, while truth did rule my heart,
I with glad minde embrac'd, and deemd my ſmart
The ſpring of ioy, whoſe ſtreames with bliſſe ſhould flow.
I thought excuſes had beene reaſons true,
And that no falſhood could of thee enſue,
So ſoone beliefe in honeſt mindes is wrought;
But now I finde thy flattery, and skill,
Which idely made me to obſerue thy will,
Thus is my learning by my bondage bought.
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Sonnet 7.
An end fond jealousy; alas I know
Thy hiddenest, and thy most secret art
Thou canst no new invention frame but part
I have already seen, and felt with woe;
All thy dissemblings which by feigned show
Won my belief, while truth did rule my heart
I, with glad mind embraced, and deemed my smart
The spring of joy, whose streams with bliss should flow;
I thought excuses had been reasons true,
And that no falsehood could of thee ensue;
So soon belief in honest minds is wrought;
But now I find thy flattery, and skill,
Which idly made me to observe thy will;
Thus is my learning by my bondage bought.
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8.
Sweet shades why doe you ſeeke to giue delight
to mee who deeme delight in this vilde place
butt torment, ſorrow, and mine owne diſgrace
to taste of ioy, or your vaine pleaſing ſight;
Show them your pleaſures who ſaw neuer night
of griefe, wher ioyings fauning, ſmiling face
appeers as day, wher griefe found neuer space
yett for a ſigh, a grone, or enuies spite;
Butt O. on mee a world of woes doe ly,
or els on mee all harmes striue to rely,
and to attend like ſeruants bound to mee,
Heat in deſire, while frosts of cares I proue,
wanting my loue, yett ſurfett doe wt loue
burne, and yett freeze, better in hell to bee; s̸
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Sonnet 8.
Sweet shades why do you seek to give delight
To me who deem delight in this vile place
But torment, sorrow, and mine own disgrace
To taste of joy, or your vain pleasing sight;
Show them your pleasures who saw never night
Of grief, where joying's fawning, smiling face
Appears as day, where grief found never space
Yet for a sigh, a groan, or envy's spite;
But O, on me a world of woes doe lie,
Or else on me all harms strive to rely,
And to attend like servants bound to me,
Heat in desire, while frosts of cares* I prove,
Wanting my love, yet surfeit do with love,
Burn, and yet freeze,* better in hell to be.
This sonnet is moved to become 17 in P on fol. 9 [P19].
'cares' = 'care' in P.
'burn and yet freeze': a Petrarchan cliché, often mocked, but here apparently used seriously.
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17.
Sweet ſhades, why doe you ſeeke to giue delight
To me, who deeme delight in this vilde place:
But torment, ſorrow, and mine owne diſgrace,
To taſte of ioy, or your vaine pleaſing ſight?
Shew them your pleaſures who ſaw neuer night
Of griefe, where ioyings fawning ſmiling face
Appeares as day, where griefe found neuer ſpace:
Yet for a ſigh, a groane, or enuies ſpite.
But O: on me a world of woes doe lye,
Or els on me all harmes ſtriue to relye,
And to attend like ſeruants bound to me.
Heate in deſire, while froſts of care I proue,
Wanting my loue, yet ſurfet doe with loue,
Burne and yet freeze, better in Hell to be.
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17.
Sweet shades why do you seek to give delight
To me who deem delight in this vile place
But torment, sorrow, and mine own disgrace
To taste of joy, or your vain pleasing sight;
Show them your pleasures who saw never night
Of grief, where joying's fawning, smiling face
Appears as day, where grief found never space
Yet for a sigh, a groan, or envy's spite;
But O, on me a world of woes doe lie,
Or else on me all harms strive to rely,
And to attend like servants bound to me,
Heat in desire, while frosts of care I prove,
Wanting my love, yet surfeit do with love,
Burn, and yet freeze, better in hell to be.
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9.
Pray doe nott vſe thes words I must bee gone,
alas doe nott fortell my ills to come
lett nott my care bee to my ioyes a tombe,
butt rather finde my loſs wth loſs alone;
Cauſe mee nott thus a more distreſsed one
nott feeling blis for feare of this ſad dombe
of preſent croſs, for thinking will orecome,
and looſe all pleaſure, ſince griefe breedeth none;
Lett the misfortune come att once to mee,
nor ſuffer mee wt paine to punnish'd bee,
lett mee bee ignorant of mine owne ill
Then now wth the foreknowledg quite to loſe
that wch wth ſoe much care, and paines loue choſe
for his reward, butt ioye now, then mirth kill; s̸
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Sonnet 9.
Pray do not use these words: 'I must be gone,'
Alas do not foretell my* ills to come,
Let not my care be to my joys a tomb,
But rather find my loss with loss alone;
Cause me not thus a more distressed one
Not feeling bliss for fear* of this sad doom
Of present cross, for thinking will o'ercome,
And lose all pleasure, since grief breedeth none;
Let the misfortune come at once to me,
Nor suffer me with pain* to punished be,
Let me be ignorant of mine own ill
Than now with the foreknowledge quite to lose
That which with so much care, and pains love chose
For his reward, but joy now, then mirth kill.
This desire to have future pain arrive now, rather than be delayed through ignorance, is an arresting and original idea, expressed in some characteristically knotty syntax.
'my' = 'mine' in P.
'for fear' = 'because' in P.
'pain' = 'grief' in P.
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9.
Pray doe not vſe theſe wordes, I muſt be gone;
Alaſſe doe not foretell mine ills to come:
Let not my care be to my ioyes a Tombe;
But rather finde my loſſe with loſſe alone.
Cauſe me not thus a more diſtreſſed one,
Not feeling bliſſe, becauſe of this ſad doome
Of preſent croſſe; for thinking will orecome
And looſe all pleaſure, ſince griefe breedeth none.
Let the misfortune come at once to me,
Nor ſuffer me with griefe to puniſh'd be;
Let mee be ignorant of mine owne ill:
Then now with the fore-knowledge quite to loſe
That which with ſo much care and paines Loue choſe
For his reward, but ioy now, then mirth kill.
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Sonnet 9.
Pray do not use these words: 'I must be gone,'
Alas do not foretell mine ills to come,
Let not my care be to my joys a tomb,
But rather find my loss with loss alone;
Cause me not thus a more distressed one
Not feeling bliss because of this sad doom
Of present cross, for thinking will o'ercome,
And lose all pleasure, since grief breedeth none;
Let the misfortune come at once to me,
Nor suffer me with grief
To punished be,
Let me be ignorant of mine own ill
Than now with the foreknowledge quite to lose
That which with so much care, and pains love chose
For his reward, but joy now, then mirth kill.
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10.
Like to the Indians, ſcorched wth the ſunne,
the ſunn wch they doe as theyr God adore
ſoe ame I vſ'd by loue, for euer more
I worship him, leſs fauor haue I wunn,
Better are they who thus to blacknes runn,
and ſoe can only whitenes want deplore
then I who pale, and white ame wt griefs store,
nor can haue hope, butt to ſee hopes vndunn;
Beeſids theyr ſacrifies receaud's in ſight
of theyr choſe ſainte: Mine hid as worthles rite;
grant mee to ſee wher I my offrings giue,
Then lett mee weare the marke of Cupids might,
in hart as they in skin doe Phœbus light
Nott ceaſing offrings to loue while I Liue s̸
s̸
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Sonnet 19
Like to the Indians, scorched with the sun,
The sun which they do as their God adore,
So am I used by love, for ever more
I worship him, less favour* have I won,
Better are they who thus to blackness run,
And so can only whiteness' want deplore
Than I who pale and white am with grief's store,
Nor can have hope, but to see hopes undone;
Besides their sacrifice received's* in sight
Of their chose saint: mine hid as worthless rite;
Grant me to see where I my offerings give,
Then let me wear the mark of Cupid's might
In heart as they in skin do* Phoebus' light,
Not ceasing offerings to love while I live.
The image of the Indians may derive from Wroth's participation in Ben Jonson's Masque of Blackness (1605), in which she played the part of Baryte. The appearance of the court ladies 'blacked up' caused considerable comment at the time. This context, the paradoxes of blackness/whiteness, and the imagery of sacrifice, make this a particularly original sonnet. In P this sonnet is moved to be No 22, on fol. 12. [P25]
'favour' = 'favours' in P.
'received's': received is = 'received' in P.
'do' = 'of' in P.
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22.
Like to the Indians ſcorched with the Sunne,
The Sunne which they doe as their God adore:
So am I vs'd by Loue, for euermore
I worſhip him, leſſe fauours haue I wonne.
Better are they who thus to blackneſſe run,
And ſo can onely whiteneſſe want deplore:
Theu I who pale and white am with griefes ſtore,
Nor can haue hope, but to ſee hopes vndone.
Beſides their ſacrifice receiu'd in ſight,
Of their choſe Saint, mine hid as worthleſſe rite,
Grant me to ſee where I my offerings giue.
Then let me weare the marke of Cupids might,
In heart, as they in skin of Phœbus light,
Not ceaſing offerings to Loue while I liue.
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22.
Like to the Indians, scorched with the sun,
The sun which they do as their God adore,
So am I used by love, for ever more
I worship him, less favours have I won,
Better are they who thus to blackness run,
And so can only whiteness' want deplore
Than I who pale and white am with grief's store,
nor can have hope, but to see hopes undone;
Besides their sacrifice received in sight
of their chose saint: mine hid as worthless rite;
Grant me to see where I my offerings give,
Then let me wear the mark of Cupid's might
In heart as they in skin of Phoebus' light,
Not ceasing offerings to love while I live.
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Song s̸.
The springing time of my first louing
finds yett noe winter of remouing
nor frost to make my hopes decreaſe
butt wt the ſommer still increaſe s̸
The trees may teach vs loues remaining,
who ſuffer chang wth little paining
though winter make theyr leaues decreaſe
yett wth the ſommer they increaſe s̸
As Birds by ſilence show theyr mourning
in colde, yett ſing att springs returning
ſoe may loue nipt awhile decreaſe
butt as the ſommer ſoone increaſe s̸
Thoſe that doe loue butt for a ſeaſon
doe faulcefy both loue, and reaſon,
for reaſon wills if loue decreaſe
itt like the ſommer should increaſe s̸
Though loue ſome times may bee mistaken
the truth yett ought nott to bee shaken,
or though the heate awhile decreaſe
itt wth the ſommer may increaſe s̸
And ſince the spring time of my louing
found neuer winter of remouing
nor frost to make my hopes decreaſe
shall as the ſommer still increaſe s̸
s̸
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Song 'The springing time'
The springing time of my first loving
Finds yet no Winter of removing
Nor frost* to make my hopes decrease
But with the Summer still increase.
The trees may teach us love's remaining,
Who suffer change with little paining
Though Winter make their leaves decrease
Yet with the Summer they increase.
As birds by silence show their mourning
In cold, yet sing at Spring's returning
So may love nipped awhile decrease
But as the Summer soon increase.
Those that do love but for a season
Do falsify both love, and reason,
For reason wills if love decrease
It like the Summer should increase.
Though love sometimes may be mistaken
The truth yet ought not to be shaken,
Or though the heat awhile decrease
It with the Summer may increase.
And since the Springtime of my loving
Found never Winter of removing
Nor frost* to make my hopes decrease
Shall as the Summer still increase.
'frost' = 'frosts in P.
'frost' = 'frosts' in P.
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Song.
The Spring time of my firſt louing,
Finds yet no winter of remouing;
Nor froſts to make my hopes decreaſe:
But with the Summer ſtill increaſe.
The trees may teach vs Loue's remaining,
Who ſuffer change with little paining:
Though Winter make their leaues decreaſe,
Yet with the Summer they increaſe.
As birds by ſilence ſhew their mourning
in cold, yet ſing at Springs returning:
So may Loue nipt a while decreaſe,
but as the Summer ſoone increaſe.
Thoſe that doe loue but for a ſeaſon,
Doe falſifie both Loue and Reaſon:
For Reaſon wills, if Loue decreaſe,
It like the Summer ſhould increaſe.
Though Loue ſometimes may be miſtaken,
the truth yet ought not to be ſhaken:
Or though the heate a while decreaſe,
It with the Summer may increaſe.
And ſince the Spring time of my louing
Found neuer Winter of remouing:
Nor froſts to make my hopes decreaſe,
Shall as the Summer ſtill increaſe.
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Song 'The Spring Time'
The Spring* time of my first loving
Finds yet no Winter of removing
Nor frosts to make my hopes decrease
But with the summer still increase.
The trees may teach us love's remaining,
Who suffer change with little paining
Though Winter make their leaves decrease
Yet with the Summer they increase.
As birds by silence show their mourning
In cold, yet sing at Spring's returning
So may love nipped awhile decrease
But as the Summer soon increase.
Those that do love but for a season
Do falsify both love, and reason,
For reason wills if love decrease
It like the Summer should increase.
Though love sometimes may be mistaken
The truth yet ought not to be shaken,
Or though the heat awhile decrease
It with the Summer may increase.
And since the springtime of my loving
Found never Winter of removing
Nor frosts to make my hopes decrease
Shall as the Summer still increase.
'spring': hand corrected by Wroth to 'springing' in the annotated Kohler copy of Urania.
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Song;s̸
The birds doe ſing, day doth apeere
ariſe, ariſe my only deere,
greete this faire morne wth thy faire eyes
wher farr more loue, and brightnes lies
All this long night noe sleepe, nor rest
my loue comanded ſoule poſsest
butt wachfully the time did marck
to ſee thoſe starrs riſe in the darck,
Ariſe then now, and lett thoſe lights
take Pheabus place as theyr due rights
for when they doe together shine
the greater light is still held thine,
Then wth thoſe eyes inrich thy loue
from whoſe deere beames my ioye doth moue
shine wth delight on my ſad hart;
and grace the prize wun by theyr dart s̸
s̸
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Song. ('The birds do sing')
The birds do sing, day doth appear,
Arise, arise my only dear,
Greet this faire morn with thy fair eyes
Where far more love, and brightness lies.
All this long night no sleep, nor rest
My love-commanded soul possessed,
But watchfully the time did mark
To see those stars rise in the dark.
Arise then now, and let those lights
Take Pheobus' place as their due rights,
For when they do together shine
The greater light is still held thine.
Then with those eyes enrich thy love
From whose dear beams my joy doth move,
Shine with delight on my sad heart;
And grace the prize won by their dart.
This song is omitted from P. It does in some respects seem separate from the general sequence, although thematically it fits with the songs that surround it.
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Song: s̸
Loue a child is euer criing,
pleaſe him, and hee straite is flying,
giue him hee the more is crauing
neuer ſatiſfi'd wt hauing;
His deſires haue noe meaſure,
endles folly is his treaſure,
what hee promiſeth hee breaketh
trust nott one word that hee speaketh;
Hee vowes nothing butt faulce matter
and to couſen you hee'l flatter,
lett him gaine the hand hee'll leaue you,
and still glory to deſeaue you;
Hee will triumph in your wayling,
and yett cauſe bee of your fayling,
thes his vertus ar, and slighter
ar his guifts, his fauors lighter,
Feathers ar as firme in staying
woulues noe fiercer in theyr praying
as a child then leaue him crying
nor ſeeke him ſoe giu'n to flying s̸
s̸
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Song ('Love a child is ever crying')
Love a child is, ever crying,
Please him, and he straight is flying,
Give him, he the more is craving
Never satisfied with having;
His desires have no measure,
Endless folly is his treasure,
What he promiseth he breaketh
Trust not one word that he speaketh;
He vows nothing but false matter
And to cosen you he'll flatter,
Let him gain the hand he'll leave you,
And still glory to deceive you;
He will triumph in your wailing,
And yet cause be of your failing,
These his virtues are, and slighter
Are his gifts, his favours lighter,
Feathers are as firm in staying
Wolves no fiercer in their preying
As a child then leave him crying
Nor seek him so given to flying.
The image of love as wayward child is common and relates in part to Cupid. See, for example, AS 11: 'In truth, O Love, with what a boyish kind/Thou doest proceed in thy most serious ways'.
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Song.
Loue a childe is euer crying,
Pleaſe him, and he ſtrait is flying;
Giue him, he the more is crauing,
Neuer ſatiſfi'd with hauing.
His deſires haue no meaſure,
Endleſſe folly is his treaſure:
What he promiſeth, he breaketh,
Truſt not one word that he ſpeaketh.
Hee vowes nothing but falſe matter,
And to couſen you hee'l flatter:
Let him gain the hand, hee'l leaue you,
And ſtill glory to deceiue you.
Hee will triumph in your wailing,
And yet cauſe be of your failing:
Theſe his vertues are, and ſlighter
Are his guifts; his fauours lighter.
Fathers are as firme in ſtaying,
Wolues no fiercer in their praying.
As a childe then leaue him crying,
Nor ſeeke him ſo giu'n to flying.
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Song ('Love a child is ever crying')
Love a child is, ever crying,
Please him, and he straight is flying,
Give him, he the more is craving
Never satisfied with having;
His desires have no measure,
Endless folly is his treasure,
What he promiseth he breaketh
Trust not one word that he speaketh;
He vows nothing but false matter
And to cosen you he'll flatter,
Let him gain the hand he'll leave you,
And still glory to deceive you;*
He will triumph in your wailing,
And yet cause be of your failing,
These his virtues are, and slighter
Are his gifts, his favours lighter,
Feathers are as firm in staying
Wolves no fiercer in their preying
As a child then leave him crying
Nor seek him so given to flying.
'you': the indentation of this single line is clearly a mistake; in F all lines except the first in each stanza are indented.
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Song.
Beeing past the paines of loue
freedome gladly ſeekes to moue,
ſays that loues delights were pritty
butt to dwell in them 't'were pitty,
And yett truly ſays that loue
must of force in all harts moue
butt though his delights are pritty
to dwell in them were a pitty.
Lett loue slightly pas like loue
neuer lett itt to deepe moue
for though loues delights are pritty
to dwell in them were great pitty;
Loue noe pitty hath of loue
rather griefes then pleaſures moue,
ſoe though his delights are pritty
to dwell in them would bee pitty
Thoſe that like the ſmart of loue
in them lett it freely moue
els though his delights are pritty
doe nott dwell in them for pitty: s̸
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Song ('Being past the pains of love')
Being past the pains of love
Freedom gladly seeks to move,
Says that love's delights were pretty
But to dwell in them 'twere pity,
And yet truly says that love
Must of force in all hearts move
But though his delights are pretty
To dwell in* them were a pity.
Let love slightly pass like love
Never let it too deep move
For though love's delights are pretty
To dwell in them were great pity;
Love no pity hath of love
Rather griefs than pleasures move,
So though his delights are pretty
To dwell in them would be pity.
Those that like the smart of love
In them let it freely move
Else though his delights are pretty
Do not dwell in them for pity.
This clever lyric uses a variation of repeated lines similar in some ways to what has been termed a kyrielle, but with more variation.
'in' = 'on' in P.
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Beeing paſt the paines of Loue,
Freedome gladly ſeekes to moue:
Sayes that Loues delights were pretty;
But to dwell in them twere pitty.
And yet truly ſayes, that Loue
Must of force in all hearts moue:
But though his delights are pretty,
To dwell on them were a pitty.
Let Loue ſlightly paſſe like Loue,
Neuer let it too deepe moue:
For thongh Loues delights are pretty,
To dwell in them were great pitty.
Loue no pitty hath of Loue,
Rather griefes then pleaſures moue:
So though his delights are pretty,
To dwell in them would be pitty.
Thoſe that like the ſmart of Loue,
In them let it freely moue:
Els though his delights are pretty,
Doe not dwell in them for pitty.
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Song ('Being past the pains of love')
Being past the pains of love
Freedom gladly seeks to move,
Says that love's delights were pretty
But to dwell in them 'twere pity,
And yet truly says that love
Must of force in all hearts move
But though his delights are pretty
To dwell on* them were a pity.
Let love slightly pass like love
Never let it too deep move
For though love's delights are pretty
To dwell in them were great pity;
Love no pity hath of love
Rather griefs than pleasures move,
So though his delights are pretty
To dwell in them would be pity.
Those that like the smart of love
In them let it freely move
Else though his delights are pretty
Do not dwell in them for pity.
'on': this is likely to be a mistake for F's 'in'.
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Song:
Loue what art thou? A vaine thought.
in our minds by phant'ſie wrought,
idle ſmiles did thee beegett
while fond wishes made that nett
wch ſoe many fooles haue caught;
Loue what art thou? light, and faire,
fresh as morning clear as th'Aire,
butt too ſoone thy euening chang
makes thy warmth wth coldenes rang
still thy ioy is mixt wth care:
Loue what are thou? A ſweet flowre
once full blowne, dead in an howre,
dust in winde as stayd remaines
as thy pleaſure, or our gaines
if thy humor chang, to lowre.
Loue what art thou? childish, vaine,
firme as bubbles made by raine
wantones thy greatest pride
thes foule faults thy vertues hide
butt babes can noe staydnes gaine.
Loue what art thou? cauſeles curst
yett alas thes nott the wurst
much more of thee may bee ſay'd
butt thy law I once obay'd
therfor ſay noe more att first s̸
s̸
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Song ('Love what art thou?)
Love what art thou? A vain thought,
In our minds by fancy wrought,
Idle smiles did thee beget
While fond wishes made that* net
Which so many fools have caught.
Love what art thou? light, and fair,
Fresh as morning clear as th'air,
But too soon thy evening change
Makes thy warmth* with coldness range
Still thy joy is mixed with care.
Love what are thou? A sweet flower
Once full blown, dead in an hour,
Dust in wind as staid remains
As thy pleasure, or our gains
If thy humour change, to lour.
Love what art thou? Childish, vain,
Firm as bubbles made by rain,
Wantonness thy greatest pride,
These foul faults thy virtues hide
But babes can no staidness gain.
Love what art thou? Causeless cursed
Yet alas these not the worst,
Much more of thee may be said
But thy law I once obeyed
Therefore say no more at first.
In Urania this song becomes one of the eclogues at the end of Book One, sung by a shepherdess, fol. 144.[U13]
'that' = 'the' in U.
'warmth' = 'worth' in U.
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Loue what art thou? A vaine thought,
In our mindes by fancy wrought,
Idle ſmiles did thee beget,
While fond wiſhes made the nett
Which ſo many fooles haue caught.
Loue what art thou? light, and faire,
Freſh as morning, cleere as th'ayre:
But too ſoone thy euening change,
Makes thy worth with coldneſſe range,
Still thy ioy is mixt with care.
Loue what art thou? a ſweet flowre,
Once full blowne, dead in an houre.
Duſt in winde as ſtaid remaines
As thy pleaſure, or our gaines,
If thy humour change to lowre.
Loue what art thou? Childiſh, vaine,
Firme as bubbles made by raine:
Wantonneſſe thy greateſt pride,
Theſe foule faults thy vertues hide,
But babes can no ſtaydneſſe gaine.
Loue what art thou? Cauſeleſſe curſt,
Yet alas theſe not the worst,
Much more of thee may bee ſaid,
But thy Law I once obay'd,
Therefore ſay no more at first.
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Song ('Love what art thou?)
Love what art thou? A vain thought,
In our minds by fancy wrought,
Idle smiles did thee beget
While fond wishes made the net
Which so many fools have caught.
Love what art thou? light, and fair,
Fresh as morning clear as th'air,
But too soon thy evening change
Makes thy worth with coldness range
Still thy joy is mixed with care.
Love what are thou? A sweet flower
Once full blown, dead in an hour,
Dust in wind as staid remains
As thy pleasure, or our gains
If thy humour change, to lour.
Love what art thou? Childish, vain,
Firm as bubbles made by rain
Wantonness thy greatest pride
These foul faults thy virtues hide
But babes can no staidness gain.
Love what art thou? Causeless cursed
Yet alas these not the worst,
Much more of thee may be said,
But thy law I once obeyed
Therefore say no more at first.
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O pardon, Cupid I confeſs my fault
then mercy grant mee in ſoe iust a kind
for treaſon neuer lodged in my mind
against thy might ſoe much as in a thought,
And now my folly I haue deerly bought
nor could my ſoule least rest or quiett find
ſince rashnes did my thoughts to error bind
wch now thy fury, and my harme hath wrought;
I curſe that thought, and hand wch that first fram'd
for wch by thee I ame most iustly blam'd,
but now that hand shall guided bee aright,
And giue a crowne vnto thy endleſs prayſe
wch shall thy glory, and thy greatnes raiſe
more then thes poore things could thy honor spite s̸
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Sonnet ('O Pardon Cupid')
O pardon, Cupid, I confess my fault.
Then mercy grant me in so just a kind,
For treason never lodged in my mind
Against thy might so much as in a thought,
And now my folly I have dearly bought,
Nor could my soul least rest or* quiet find
Since rashness did my thoughts to error bind
Which now thy fury, and my harm hath wrought;
I curse that thought, and hand which that first framed
For which by thee I am most justly blamed,
But now that hand shall guided be aright,
And give a crown unto thy endless praise
Which shall thy glory, and thy greatness raise
More than these poor things could thy honour spite.
This sonnet 'prefaces' the crown of sonnets both in F and in P, as indicated in the final stanza which introduces the 'crown unto thy endless praise'.
'or' = 'of' in P.
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O pardon Cupid, I confeſſe my fault,
Then mercy grant me in ſo iuſt a kinde:
For treaſon neuer lodged in my minde
Againſt thy might, ſo much as in a thought.
And now my folly I haue dearely bought,
Nor could my ſoule leaſt reſt of quiet finde;
Since Raſhnes did my thoughts to Error binde,
Which now thy fury, and my harme hath wrought.
I curſe that thought and hand which that firſt fram'd,
For which by thee I am moſt iuſtly blam'd:
But now that hand ſhall guided be aright,
And giue a Crowne vnto thy endleſſe praiſe,
Which ſhall thy glory and thy greatneſſe raiſe,
More then theſe poore things could thy honor ſpight.
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Sonnet ('O Pardon Cupid')
O pardon, Cupid, I confess my fault.
Then mercy grant me in so just a kind,
For treason never lodged in my mind
Against thy might so much as in a thought,
And now my folly I have dearly bought,
Nor could my soul least rest of* quiet find
Since rashness did my thoughts to error bind
Which now thy fury, and my harm hath wrought;
I curse that thought, and hand which that first framed
For which by thee I am most justly blamed,
But now that hand shall guided be aright,
And give a crown unto thy endless praise
Which shall thy glory, and thy greatness raise
More than these poor things could thy honour spite.
'of': a mistake for F's 'or'.
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A crowne of Sonetts
dedicated to Loue s̸
In this strang labourinth how shall I turne?
wayes are on all ſids while the way I miſs;
if to the right hand, ther, in loue I burne;
lett mee goe forward, therin danger is;
If to the left, ſuspition hinders bliſs,
lett mee turne back, shame cries I ought returne
nor fainte though croſses wth my fortunes kiſs;
stand still is harder, allthough ſure to mourne;
Thus lett mee take the right, or left hand way;
goe forward, or stand still, or back retire;
I must thes doubts indure wtout allay
or help, butt traueile find for my best hire;
Yett that wch most my troubled ſence doth moue
is to leaue all, and take the thread of loue,
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Crown 1
In this strange labyrinth how shall I turn?
Ways are on all sides while the way I miss;
If to the right hand, there in love I burn;
Let me go forward, therein danger is;
If to the left, suspicion hinders bliss,
Let me turn back, shame cries I ought return
Nor faint, though crosses with* my fortunes kiss;
Stand still is harder, although sure to mourn.
Thus let me take the right, or left hand way;
Go forward, or stand still, or back retire;
I must these doubts endure without allay
Or help, but travail* find for my best hire;
Yet that which most my troubled sense doth move
Is to leave all, and take the thread of love.
'A Crown of Sonnets Dedicated to Love'
After this heading in F the crown of sonnets follow on from each other, numbered but not on new pages and with little spacing between them, to emphasise that they are an interwoven sequence. The crown/corona of sonnets was a popular form which might vary in number, though fourteen, as here, makes up a complete 'set' replicating the number of lines ion an individual sonnet. Wroth's father has an incomplete crown in RS with only 4 sonnets written.
The crown begins the labyrinth image which continues through it, and which is also used extensively in the published narrative of Urania to describe the effects of love and desire on Pamphilia and other female characters, especially when they end up trapped in the castle of love as part of an enchantment. The labyrinth also alludes to the myth of Ariadne, especially via the reference to the 'thread of love', which alludes to the thread that Ariadne gives to Theseus so that he can find his way back out of the labyrinth after defeating the minotaur. The first line of this first crown sonnet is the same as the last line of the last sonnet.
'with' = 'which' in P.
'travail' = 'travel' in P ('traveile' in F contains a pun on travel/travail).
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A Crowne of Sonnets dedicated
to LOVE.
In this ſtrange Labyrinth how ſhall I turne,
Wayes are on all ſides, while the way I miſſe:
If to the right hand, there in loue I burne,
Let mee goe forward, therein danger is.
If to the left, ſuſpition hinders bliſſe;
Let mee turne backe, ſhame cryes I ought returne:
Nor faint, though croſſes which my fortunes kiſſe,
Stand ſtill is harder, although ſure to mourne.
Thus let mee take the right, or left hand way,
Goe forward, or ſtand ſtill, or back retire:
I muſt theſe doubts indure without allay
Or helpe, but trauell finde for my beſt hire.
Yet that which moſt my troubled ſenſe doth moue,
Is to leaue all and take the threed of Loue.
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Crown 1
In this strange labyrinth how shall I turn?
Ways are on all sides while the way I miss;
If to the right hand, there in love I burn;
Let me go forward, therein danger is;
If to the left, suspicion hinders bliss,
Let me turn back, shame cries I ought return
Nor faint, though crosses which my fortunes kiss;
Stand still is harder, although sure to mourn.
Thus let me take the right, or left hand way;
Go forward, or stand still, or back retire;
I must these doubts endure without allay
Or help, but travel find for my best hire;
Yet that which most my troubled sense doth move
Is to leave all, and take the thread of love.
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2.
Is to leaue all, and take the thread of loue
wch path line straite leads vnto the ſoules content
wher choyce delights wth [link: to F83mod-n] pleaſures wings doe moue,
and idle phant'ſie neuer roome had lent,
When chaste thoughts guide vs then owr minds ar bent
to take that good wch ills from vs remoue,
light of true loue, brings fruite wch none repent
butt constant louers ſeeke, and wish to proue;
Loue is the shining starr of bleſsings light;
the feruent fire of zeale, the roote of peace,
that lasting lampe fed wt the oyle of right;
Image of fayth, and wombe for ioyes increaſe
Loue is true vertu, and his ends delight
his flames ar ioyes, his bands true louers might.
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Crown 2
Is to leave all, and take the thread of love
Which line* straight leads unto the soul's content
Where choice delights with* pleasure's wings do move,
And idle fancy never room had lent,
When chaste thoughts guide us then our minds are bent
To take that good which ills from us remove,
Light of true love, brings fruit which none repent
But constant lovers seek, and wish to prove.
Love is the shining star of blessing's light;
The fervent fire of zeal, the root of peace,
That lasting lamp fed with the oil of right;
Image of faith, and womb for joy's increase.
Love is true virtue, and his end's delight
His flames are joys, his bands true lovers' might.
Roberts [P78] notes the religious overtones of this devotion to Love, and cites RS 4:
True vestal-like, which with most holy care
Preserve the sacred fires, religiously
I do maintain, and that no end they try
Of my best parts their subject I prepare.
'line': Wroth first writes 'path' and crosses it out.
'with': altered from original 'on'.
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2.
Is to leaue all and take the threed of Loue,
Which line ſtraight leades vnto the ſoules content,
Where choice delights with pleaſures wings do moue,
And idle fant'ſie neuer roome had lent.
When chaſte thoughts guide vs, then our minds are bent
To take that good which ills from vs remoue:
Light of true loue brings fruite which none repent;
But conſtant Louers ſeeke and wiſh to proue.
Loue is the ſhining Starre of bleſſings light,
The feruent fire of zeale, the root of peace,
The laſting Lampe, fed with the oyle of right,
Image of Faith, and wombe for ioyes increaſe.
Loue is true Vertue, and his ends delight,
His flames are ioyes, his bands true Louers might.
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Crown 2
Is to leave all, and take the thread of love
Which line straight leads unto the soul's content
Where choice delights with pleasure's wings do move,
And idle fancy never room had lent,
When chaste thoughts guide us then our minds are bent
To take that good which ills from us remove,
Light of true love, brings fruit which none repent
But constant lovers seek, and wish to prove.
Love is the shining star of blessing's light;
The fervent fire of zeal, the root of peace,
That lasting lamp fed with the oil of right;
Image of faith, and womb for joy's increase.
Love is true virtue, and his end's delight
His flames are joys, his bands true lovers' might.
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.3.
His flames ar ioyes, his bands true louers might,
noe staine is ther butt pure, as purest white,
wher noe clowde can apeere to dim his light,
nor spott defile, butt shame will ſoone requite,
Heere are affections, tri'de [link: to F84mod-n] by loues iuſt might
as gold by fire, and black deſernd by white,
Error by truthe, and darknes knowne by light,
wher faith is vallwed for loue to requite,
Pleaſe him, and ſerue him, glory in his might,
and firme hee'll bee, as innoſencye white,
cleere as th'ayre, warme as ſunn beames, as day light,
iust as truth, constant as fate, ioy'd to requite,
Then loue obay, striue to obſerue his might,
and bee in his braue court a glorious light;
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Crown 3
His flames are joys, his bands true lovers' might,
No stain is there, but pure, as purest white,
Where no cloud can appear to dim his light,
Nor spot defile, but shame will soon requite,
Here are affections tried* by love's just might
As gold by fire, and black discerned by white,
Error by truth, and darkness known by light,
Where faith is valued for love to requite,
Please him, and serve him, glory in his might,
And firm he'll be, as innocency white,
Clear as th'air, warm as sunbeams,* as daylight,
Just as truth, constant as fate, joyed to requite,
Then love obey, strive to observe his might,
And be in his brave court a glorious light.
As Roberts [P79] notes, at this point in the crown sequence Love is not the boyish Cupid of many of the earlier sonnets, but a powerful monarch who must be obeyed, or if resisted, still exerts considerable power.
'are affections tried': Wroth emends from 'affections are tried'.
'sunbeams' = 'sun's beams' in P.
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3.
His flames are ioyes, his bandes true Louers might,
No ſtaine is there, but pure, as pureſt white,
Where no cloud can appeare to dimme his light,
Nor ſpot defile, but ſhame will ſoon requite.
Heere are affections tryde by Loues iuſt might
As Gold by fire, and black diſcern'd by white;
Error by truth, and darknes knowne by light,
Where Faith is vallu'd, for Loue to requite.
Pleaſe him, and ſerue him, glory in his might
And firme hee'le be, as Innocency white,
Cleere as th'ayre, warme as Sun's beames, as day light
Iuſt as Truth, conſtant as Fate, ioyd to requite.
Then Loue obey, ſtriue to obſerue his might
And be in his braue Court a glorious light.
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Crown 3
His flames are joys, his bands true lovers' might,
No stain is there, but pure, as purest white,
Where no cloud can appear to dim his light,
Nor spot defile, but shame will soon requite,
Here are affections tried by love's just might
As gold by fire, and black discerned by white,
Error by truth, and darkness known by light,
Where faith is valued for love to requite,
Please him, and serve him, glory in his might,
And firm he'll be, as innocency white,
Clear as th'air, warm as sun's beams, as daylight,
Just as truth, constant as fate, joyed to requite,
Then love obey, strive to observe his might,
And be in his brave court a glorious light.
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4.
And bee in his braue court a gloriouſe light,
shine in the eyes of faith, and constancie,
maintaine the fires of loue still burning bright
nott slightly sparkling butt light flaming bee
Neuer to ſlack till earth noe stars can ſee,
till ſunn, and Moone doe leaue to vs dark night,
and ſecound Chaoſe once againe doe free
vs, and the world from all deuiſions spite,
Till then, affections wch his followers are
gouerne our harts, and proue his powers gaine
to taste this pleaſing sting ſeek wt all care
for hapy ſmarting is itt wth ſmale paine,
ſuch as although, itt pierce your tender hart
and burne, yett burning you will loue the ſmart;
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Crown 4
And be in his brave court a glorious light,
Shine in the eyes of faith, and constancy,
Maintain the fires of love still burning bright
Not slightly sparkling but light flaming be.
Never to slack till earth no stars can see,
Till sun, and moon do leave to us dark night,
And second chaos* once again do free
Us and the world from all division's spite,
Till then, affections which his followers are
Govern our hearts, and prove his power's gain
To taste this pleasing sting seek with all care
For happy smarting is it with small pain,
Such as although it pierce your tender heart
And burn, yet burning you will love the smart.
'Second chaos': this stanza describes the apocalypse and the collapse of the material world into primeval chaos.
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4.
And be in his braue Court a glorious light
Shine in the eyes of Faith, and Conſtancy
Maintaine the fires of Loue, ſtill burning bright,
Not ſlightly ſparkling, but light flaming be.
Neuer to ſlake till earth no Starres can ſee,
Till Sun, and Moone doe leaue to vs darke night,
And ſecond Chaos once againe doe free
Vs, and the World from all diuiſions ſpight.
Till then affections which his followers are,
Gouerne our hearts, and prooue his powers gaine,
To taſte this pleaſing ſting, ſeeke with all care
For happy ſmarting is it with ſmall paine.
Such as although it pierce your tender heart,
And burne, yet burning you will loue the ſmart.
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Crown 4
And be in his brave court a glorious light,
Shine in the eyes of faith, and constancy,
Maintain the fires of love still burning bright
Not slightly sparkling but light flaming be.
Never to slack till earth no stars can see,
Till sun, and moon do leave to us dark night,
And second chaos once again do free
Us and the world from all division's spite,
Till then, affections which his followers are
Govern our hearts, and prove his power's gain
To taste this pleasing sting seek with all care
For happy smarting is it with small pain,
Such as although it pierce your tender heart
And burn, yet burning you will love the smart.
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5.
And burne, yett burning you will loue the ſmart,
when you shall feele the weight of true deſire,
ſoe pleaſing, as you would nott wish your part
of burden showld bee miſsing from that fire;
Butt faithfull, and vnfained heate aspire
wch ſin abolisheth, and doth impart
ſaulues to all feares, wt vertues wch inspire
ſoules wt deuine loue, wch showes his chaste art,
And guide hee is to ioyings; open eyes
hee hath to hapines, and best can learne
vs means how to deſerue, this hee deſcries,
who blind yett doth our hidenest thought deſerne
Thus may wee gaine ſince liuing in blest loue
hee may our profitt, and owr Tuter proue,
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Crown 5
And burn, yet burning you will love the smart,
When you shall feel the weight of true desire,
So pleasing, as you would not wish your part
Of burden should be missing from that fire;
But faithful, and unfeigned heat aspire
Which sin abolisheth, and doth impart
Salves to all fears,* with virtues which inspire
Souls with divine love, which shows his chaste art,
And guide he is to joyings; open eyes
He hath to happiness, and best can learn
Us means how to deserve, this he descries,
Who blind yet doth our hiddenest thought* discern.
Thus may we* gain since living in blest love,
He may our profit,* and our tutor prove.
'fears' = 'fear' in P.
'thought' = 'thoughts' in P.
'may we' = 'we may' in P.
'profit' = 'prophet' in P; original perhaps a pun on both profit/prophet.
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5.
And burne, yet burning you will loue the ſmart,
When you ſhall feele the waight of true deſire,
So pleaſing, as you would not wiſh your part
Of burthen ſhould be miſſing from that fire.
But faithfull and vnfaigned heate aſpire
Which ſinne abolliſheth, and doth impart
Salues to all feare, with vertues which inſpire
Soules with diuine loue; which ſhewes his chaſt Art.
And guide he is to ioyings, open eyes
He hath to happineſſe, and beſt can learne
Vs, meanes how to deſerue this he deſcries,
Who blinde, yet doth our hidn'ſt thoughts diſerne.
Thus we may gaine ſince liuing in bleſt Loue,
He may our Prophet, and our Tutor prooue.
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Crown 5
And burn, yet burning you will love the smart,
When you shall feel the weight of true desire,
So pleasing, as you would not wish your part
Of burden should be missing from that fire;
But faithful, and unfeigned heat aspire
Which sin abolisheth, and doth impart
Salves to all fear, with virtues which inspire
Souls with divine love, which shows his chaste art,
And guide he is to joyings; open eyes
He hath to happiness, and best can learn
Us means how to deserve, this he descries,
Who blind yet doth our hiddenest thoughts discern.
Thus we may gain since living in blest love,
He may our prophet and our tutor prove.
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6.
Hee may owr profitt, and our Tuter proue
in whom alone wee doe this power finde,
to ioine tow harts as in one frame to moue;
tow bodies, butt one ſoule to rule the minde;
Eeyes wt much care to one deere obiect bind
eares to each others speech as if aboue
all els they ſweet, and learned were; this kind
content of louers wittniſeth true loue,
Itt doth inrich the witts, and makes you ſee
that in your ſelf wch you knew nott before,
forcing you to admire ſuch guifts showld bee
hid from your knowledg, yett in you the store;
Millians of thes adorne the throne of Loue
how blest bee they then, who his fauours proue
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Crown 6
He may our profit* and our tutor prove
In whom alone we do this power find,
To join two hearts as in one frame to move;
Two bodies, but one soul to rule the mind;
Eyes with much* care to one dear object bind,
Ears to each other's speech as if above
All else they sweet and learned were; this kind
Content of lovers witnesseth true love,
It doth enrich the wits, and makes* you see
That in yourself which you knew not before,
Forcing you to admire such gifts should be
Hid from your knowledge, yet in you the store;
Millions of these adorn the Throne of Love*
How blest be* they then, who his favours prove.*
Throne of Love: a feature of the enchantment in Urania.
'profit' = 'prophet' in P.
'with much' = 'which must' in P.
'makes' = 'make' in P.
'be' = 'are' in P.
prove: grow to experience.
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6.
He may our Prophet, and our Tutor prooue,
In whom alone we doe this power finde,
To ioyne two hearts as in one frame to mooue
Two bodies, but one ſoule to rule the minde
Eyes which muſt care to one deare Obiect binde,
Eares to each others ſpeach as if aboue
All elſe, they ſweete, and learned were; this kind
Content of Louers witneſſeth true loue.
It doth inrich the wits, and make you ſee
That in your ſelfe which you knew not before,
Forceſing you to admire ſuch gifts ſhould be
Hid from your knowledge, yet in you the ſtore.
Millions of theſe adorne the throane of Loue,
How bleſt are they then, who his fauours proue?
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Crown 6
He may our prophet and our tutor prove
In whom alone we do this power find,
To join two hearts as in one frame to move;
Two bodies, but one soul to rule the mind;
Eyes which must care to one dear object bind,
Ears to each other's speech as if above
All else they sweet and learned were; this kind
Content of lovers witnesseth true love,
It doth enrich the wits, and make you see
That in yourself which you knew not before,
Forcing you to admire such gifts should bee
Hid from your knowledge, yet in you the store;
Millions of these adorn the Throne of Love
How blest are they then, who his favours prove.
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7.
How blest bee they then, who his fauors proue
a lyfe wherof the birth is iust deſire,
breeding ſweet flames wch hearts inuite to moue
in thoſe lou'd eyes wch kindles Cupids fire.
And nurſe his longings wt his thoughts intire,
fixt on the heat of wishes formd by loue,
yett as wher fire distroys this doth respire,
increaſe, and foster all delights aboue;
Loue will a painter-make you, ſuch, as you
shall able bee to drawe your only deere
more liuely, parfett, lasting, and more true
then rarest woorkmen, and to you more neere,
Thes be the least, then needs must all confeſs
Hee that shunns loue doth loue him ſelf the leſs
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Crown 7
How blest be they then, who his favours prove
A life whereof the birth is just desire,
Breeding sweet flames* which hearts invite to move
In those* loved eyes which kindles* Cupid's fire,
And nurse his longings with his thoughts entire,
Fixed on the heat of wishes formed by love,
Yet as where* fire destroys this doth respire,*
Increase, and foster all delights above;
Love will a painter make you,* such, as you
Shall able be to draw your only dear
More lively, perfect, lasting, and more true
Than rarest workmen,* and to you more near,
These be the least, then needs must all* confess
He that shuns love doth love himself the less.
'flames' = 'flame' in P.
'those' = 'these' in P.
'kindles' = 'kindle' in P.
'as where' = 'whereas' in P.
'respire' = 'aspire' in P.
A painter make you: while painting is often used as a metaphor in AS, Wroth here has a particularly elaborate image of the lover as 'painter' (ie depicter).
'workmen' = 'workman' in P.
'needs must all' = 'all must needs' in P.
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7.
How bleſſ'd be they then, who his fauors proue,
A life whereof the birth is iuſt deſire?
Breeding ſweete flame, which harts inuite to moue,
In theſe lou'd eyes, which kindle Cupids fire,
And nurſe his longings with his thoughts intire,
Fix't on the heat of wiſhes form'd by Loue,
Yet whereas fire deſtroyes, this doth aſpire,
Increaſe, and foſter all delights aboue.
Loue will a Painter make you, ſuch, as you
Shall able be to draw, your onely deare,
More liuely, perfect, laſting, and more true
Then rareſt Workeman, and to you more neere.
Theſe be the leaſt, then all muſt needs confeſſe,
He that ſhuns Loue, doth loue himſelfe the leſſe.
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Crown 7
How blest be they then, who his favours prove
A life whereof the birth is just desire,
Breeding sweet flame which hearts invite to move
In these loved eyes which kindle Cupid's fire,
And nurse his longings with his thoughts entire,
Fixed on the heat of wishes formed by love,
Yet whereas fire destroys this doth aspire
Increase, and foster all delights above;
Love will a painter make you, such, as you
Shall able be to draw your only dear
More lively, perfect, lasting, and more true
Than rarest workman, and to you more near,
These be the least, then needs all must confess
He that shuns love doth love himself the less.
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8.
Hee that shunns loue doth loue him ſelf the leſs
and curſed hee whos spiritt nott admires
the worth of loue, wher endles bleſsednes
raines, and commands, maintaind by heaunly fires
made of vertu, ioin'de by truth, blowne by deſires
strengthned by worth, renued by carefullnes
flaming in neuer changing thoughts, briers
of ielouſie shall heere miſs wellcomnes;
nor coldly paſs in the purſuites of loue
like one longe frozen in a ſea of iſe,
and yett butt chastly lett your paſsions moue
noe thought from vertuouſe loue your minds intiſe
Neuer to other ends your phant'ſies place
butt wher they may returne wt honors grace,
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Crown 8
He that shuns love doth love himself the less,
And cursed he whose spirit not admires
The worth of love, where endless blessedness
Reigns, and commands, maintained by heavenly fires
Made of virtue, joined by truth, blown by desires,
Strengthened by worth, renewed by carefulness
Flaming in never-changing thoughts, briars
Of jealousy shall here miss welcomeness,
Nor coldly pass in the pursuits of love
Like one long frozen in a sea of ice,
And yet but chastely let your passions move
No thought from virtuous love your minds entice
Never to other ends your fancies place
But where they may return with honour's grace.
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8.
He that ſhuns Loue, doth loue himſelfe the leſſe,
And curſed he whoſe ſpirit, not admires
The worth of Loue, where endleſſe bleſſednes
Raignes, & commands, maintain'd by heau'nly fires.
Made of Vertue, ioyn'd by Truth, blowne by Deſires,
Strengthned by Worth, renew'd by carefulneſſe,
Flaming in neuer-changing thoughts: bryers
Of Iealouſie ſhall here miſſe welcomneſſe.
Nor coldly paſſe in the purſutes of Loue
Like one long frozen in a Sea of yce:
And yet but chaſtly let your paſſions moone,
No thought from vertuous Loue your minds intice.
Neuer to other ends your Phant'ſies place,
But where they may returne with honor's grace.
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Crown 8
He that shuns love doth love himself the less,
And cursed he whose spirit not admires
The worth of love, where endless blessedness
Reigns, and commands, maintained by heavenly fires
Made of virtue, joined by truth, blown by desires,
Strengthened by worth, renewed by carefulness,
Flaming in never-changing thoughts, briars
Of jealousy shall here miss welcomeness,
Nor coldly pass in the pursuits of love
Like one long frozen in a sea of ice,
And yet but chastely let your passions move
No thought from virtuous love your minds entice
Never to other ends your fancies place,
But where they may return with honour's grace.
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9.
Butt wher they may returne wt honors grace
wher Venus follyes can noe harbour win
butt chaſed ar as worthles of the face
or stile of loue who hath laſiuiouſe bin
Oure harts ar ſubiects to her ſunn; wher ſinn
neuer did dwell, nor rest one minutes space
what faults hee hath, in her did still begin,
and from her brest hee ſuckd his fleeting pace,
if lust bee counted loue t'is faulcely nam'd
by wikednes a fayrer gloſs to ſett
vpon that Vice, wch els makes men asham'd
in the owne fraſe to warrant butt begett
This childe for loue, who ought like monster borne
bee from the court of Love, and reaſon torne;
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Crown 9
But where they may return with honour's grace
Where Venus' follies can no harbour win,
But chased, are as worthless of the face
Or style of love, who hath lascivious been.
Our hearts are subjects* to her son;* where sin
Never did dwell, nor* rest one minute's space
What faults he hath, in her did still begin,
And from her breast he sucked his fleeting pace.
If lust be counted love, 'tis falsely named
By wickedness a fairer gloss to set
Upon that Vice, which else makes men ashamed
In the own phrase to warrant,* but beget
This child for love, who ought like monster born
Be from the court of Love, and reason torn.
'subjects' = 'subject' in P.
Son: 'sunn' in MS, punning perhaps on son/sun; 'son' in P.
'nor' = 'or' in P.
In the own phrase to warrant: this stanza as a whole argues that if lust is made to equal love it is falsely and wickedly named so in order to make that vice (ie lust) seem less bad, which otherwise would make men ashamed to in the one phrase (or perhaps in its own phrase) join the two things together, and therefore bring forth as a child of love a monster that should, as a product of lust, be removed from Love's court.
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9.
Bvt where they may returne with Honor's grace,
Where Venus follies can no harbour winne,
But chaſed are, as worthleſſe of the face,
Or ſtile of Loue, who hath laſciuious beene.
Our hearts are ſubiect to her Sonne, where ſinne
Neuer did dwell, or reſt one minutes ſpace;
What faults he hath in her did ſtill beginne,
And from her breaſt he ſuck'd his fleeting pace.
If Luſt be counted Loue, 'tis falſely nam'd,
By wickedneſſe, a fairer gloſſe to ſet
Vpon that Vice, which elſe makes men aſham'd,
In the owne Phraſe to warrant, but beget
This Childe for Loue, who ought like Monſter borne,
Be from the Court of Loue, and Reaſon torne.
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Crown 9
But where they may return with honour's grace
Where Venus' follies can no harbour win,
But chased, are as worthless of the face
Or style of love, who hath lascivious been.
Our hearts are subject to her son; where sin
Never did dwell, or rest one minute's space
What faults he hath, in her did still begin,
And from her breast he sucked his fleeting pace.
If lust be counted love, 'tis falsely named
By wickedness a fairer gloss to set
Upon that Vice, which else makes men ashamed
In the own phrase to warrant, but beget
This child for love, who ought like monster born
Be from the court of Love, and reason torn.
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10.
Bee from the court of Loue, and reaſon torne
for Loue in reaſon now doth putt his trust,
deſert, and liking are together borne
children of loue, and reaſon parents iust,
Reaſon aduiſer is, loue ruler must
bee of the state wch crowne hee long hath worne
yett ſoe as neither will in least mistrust
the gouernment wher noe feare is of ſcorne,
Then reuerence both theyr mights thus made butt one,
butt wantones, and all thoſe errors shun,
wch wrongers bee, impostures, and alone
maintainers of all follyes ill begunn;
Fruit of a ſowre, and vnwholſome ground
unprofitably pleaſing, and vnſound
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Crown 10
Be from the court of Love and Reason torn,
For Love in Reason now doth put his trust,
Desert and liking are together born,
Children of love and reason, parents just.
Reason adviser is, Love ruler must
Be of the state which crown he long hath worn,
Yet so as neither will in least mistrust
The government where no fear is of scorn,
Then reverence both, their mights thus made but* one,
But wantonness, and all those errors shun,
Which wrongers be, impostures, and alone
Maintainers of all follies ill begun;
Fruit of a sour, and unwholesome ground
Unprofitably pleasing, and unsound.
'but' = 'of' in P.
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10.
Bee from the Court of Loue, and reaſon torne,
For Loue in Reaſon now doth put his truſt,
Deſert and liking are together borne
Children of Loue, and Reaſon, Parents iuſt.
Reaſon aduiſer is, Loue ruler muſt
Be of the State, which Crowne he long hath worne;
Yet ſo, as neither will in leaſt miſtruſt
The gouernment where no feare is of ſcorn.
Then reuerence both their mights thus made of one,
But wantonneſſe, and all thoſe errors ſhun,
Which wrongers be, Impoſtures, and alone
Maintainers of all follies ill begunne.
Fruit of a ſower, and vnwholeſome grownd
Vnprofitably pleaſing, and vnſound.
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Crown 10
Be from the court of Love and Reason torn,
For Love in Reason now doth put his trust,
Desert and liking are together born,
Children of love and reason, parents just.
Reason adviser is, Love ruler must
Be of the state which crown he long hath worn,
Yet so as neither will in least mistrust
The government where no fear is of scorn,
Then reverence both, their mights thus made of one,
But wantonness, and all those errors shun,
Which wrongers be, impostures, and alone
Maintainers of all follies ill begun;
Fruit of a sour, and unwholesome ground
Unprofitably pleasing, and unsound.
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11.
Vnprofitably pleaſing, and vnſound
when heauen gaue liberty to frayle dull earth
to bringe forth plenty that in ills abound
wch ripest yett doe bring a ſertaine dearth
A timeles, and vnſeaſonable birth
planted in ill, in wurſe time springing found,
wch hemlock like might feed a ſick witts mirthe
wher vnruld vapors ſwim in endles rounde,
Then ioy wee nott in what wee ought to shun
wher shady pleaſures showe, butt true borne fires
ar quite quench'd out, or by poore ashes wunn
awhile to keepe thoſe coole, and wann deſires
O noe lett loue his glory haue and might
bee giuen to him who triumphs in his right
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Crown 11
Unprofitably pleasing, and unsound
When heaven gave liberty to frail, dull earth
To bring forth plenty that in ills abound
Which ripest yet do bring a certain dearth
A timeless, and unseasonable birth
Planted in ill, in worse time springing found,
Which hemlock-like* might feed a sick wit's mirth*
Where unruled vapours swim in endless round,
Then joy we not in what we ought to shun
Where shady pleasures show, but true-born fires
Are quite quenched out, or by poor ashes won
Awhile to keep those cool, and wan desires.
O no, let Love his glory have and might
Be given to him who triumphs in his right.
Hemlock-like: hemlock is a poisonous plant.
A sick-wit's mirth: a psychologically disturbed person who might find entertainment in suffering; the sick wit may be the product of the vapours, which disturb the body in Renaissance physiology.
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11.
Vnprofitably pleaſing, and vnſound.
When Heauen gaue liberty to fraile dull earth,
To bringe foorth plenty that in ills abound,
Which ripeſt, yet doe bring a certaine dearth.
A timeleſſe, and vnſeaſonable birth,
Planted in ill, in worſe time ſpringing found,
Which Hemlocke like might feed a ſicke-wits mirth
Where vnrul'd vapours ſwimme in endleſſe round.
Then ioy we not in what we ought to ſhunne,
Where ſhady pleaſures ſhew, but true borne fires
Are quite quench'd out, or by poore aſhes won,
Awhile to keepe thoſe coole, and wann deſires.
O no, let Loue his glory haue, and might
Be giu'n to him, who triumphs in his right.
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Crown 11
Unprofitably pleasing, and unsound
When heaven gave liberty to frail, dull earth
To bring forth plenty that in ills abound
Which ripest yet do bring a certain dearth
A timeless, and unseasonable birth
Planted in ill, in worse time springing found,
Which hemlock-like might feed a sick wit's mirth
Where unruled vapours swim in endless round,
Then joy we not in what we ought to shun
Where shady pleasures show, but true-born fires
Are quite quenched out, or by poor ashes won
Awhile to keep those cool, and wan desires
O no, let Love his glory have and might
Be given to him who triumphs in his right.
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12.
Bee giuen to him who triumphs in his right
nor vading bee, butt like thoſe bloſsooms fayre
wch fall for good, and loſe theyr coulers bright
yett dy nott, butt wth fruite theyr loſs repaire
ſoe may loue make you pale wt louing care
when ſweet inioying shall restore that light
more cleare in beauty then wee can compare
if nott to Venus in her choſen night
And who ſoe giue them ſelues in this deere kind
thes hapineſses shall attend them still
to bee ſuplyd wth ioys, inrichd in mind
wth treaſures of contents, and pleaſures fill,
Thus Loue to bee deuine doth heere apeere
free from all fogs butt shining faire, and cleere;
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Crown 12
Be given to him who triumphs in his right
Nor fading* be, but like those blossoms fair
Which fall for good, and lose their colours bright
Yet die not, but with fruit their loss repair,
So may love make you pale with loving care
When sweet enjoying shall restore that light
More clear in beauty than we can compare,
If not to Venus in her chosen night*.
And who so give themselves in this dear kind
These happinesses shall attend them still:
To be supplied with joys, enriched in mind
With treasures of contents,* and pleasure's fill,
Thus Love to be divine doth here appear
Free from all fogs, but shining faire, and clear.
fading: MS reads 'vading' which is an early form of fading, changed to 'fading' in P.
'night' = 'might' in P.
'contents' ='content' in P.
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12.
Be giu'n to him, who triumphs in his right;
Nor fading be, but like thoſe bloſſomes faire,
Which fall for good, and loſe their colours bright,
Yet dye not, but with fruit their loſſe repaire:
So may Loue make you pale with louing care,
When ſweet enioying ſhall reſtore that light,
More cleere in beauty, then we can compare,
If not to Venus in her choſen might.
And who ſo giue themſelues in this deare kinde,
Theſe happineſſes ſhall attend them ſtill,
To be ſupplide with ioyes enrich'd in minde,
With treaſures of content, and pleaſures fill.
Thus loue to be diuine, doth here appeare,
Free from all foggs, but ſhining faire and cleare.
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Crown 12
Be given to him who triumphs in his right
Nor fading bee, but like those blossoms fair
Which fall for good, and lose their colours bright
Yet die not, but with fruit their loss repair,
So may love make you pale with loving care
When sweet enjoying shall restore that light
More clear in beauty than we can compare,
If not to Venus in her chosen might.
And who so give themselves in this dear kind
These happinesses shall attend them still:
To be supplied with joys, enriched in mind
With treasures of content, and pleasure's fill,
Thus Love to be divine doth here appear
Free from all fogs, but shining faire, and clear.
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13.
Free from all fogs butt shining faire, and cleere
wiſe in all good, and innoſent in ill
wher holly freindship is esteemed deere
wth truth in loue, and iustice in our will,
In loue thes titles only haue theyr fill
of hapy lyfe maintainer, and the meere
defence of right, the punnisher of skill,
and fraude; from whence directnes doth apeere,
to thee then Lord commander of all harts
ruller of owr affections kinde, and iust
great king of Loue, my ſoule from fained ſmarts
or thought of change I offer to your trust
This crowne, my ſelf and all that I haue more
except my hart wch you beestowd beefore;
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Crown 13
Free from all fogs but shining fair, and clear
Wise in all good, and innocent in ill
Where holy friendship is esteemed dear
With truth in love, and justice in our will,
In love these titles only have their fill
Of happy life maintainer, and the mere
Defence of right, the punisher of skill,
And fraud; from whence directness* doth appear.
To thee then, Lord commander of all hearts,
Ruler of our affections, kind and just,
Great king of Love, my soul from feigned smarts
Or thought of change, I offer to your trust
This crown,* my self, and all that I have more,
Except my heart which you bestowed before.
'directness' = 'directions' in P.
Crown: ie the crown of sonnets.
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13.
Free from all foggs, but ſhining faire, and cleare,
Wiſe in all good, and innocent in ill,
Where holy friendſhip is eſteemed deare,
With Truth in loue, and Iuſtice in our Will.
In Loue theſe titles onely haue their fill
Of happy life-maintainer, and the meere
Defence of right, the puniſher of skill,
And fraude, from whence directions doth appeare.
To thee then, Lord commander of all hearts,
Ruler of our affections, kinde, and iuſt,
Great King of Loue, my ſoule from faigned ſmarts,
Or thought of change, I offer to your truſt,
This Crowne, my ſelfe, and all that I haue more,
Except my heart, which you beſtow'd before.
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Crown 13
Free from all fogs but shining fair, and clear
Wise in all good, and innocent in ill
Where holy friendship is esteemed dear
With truth in love, and justice in our will,
In love these titles only have their fill
Of happy life maintainer, and the mere
Defence of right, the punisher of skill,
And fraud; from whence directions doth appear.
To thee then, Lord commander of all hearts,
Ruler of our affections, kind and just,
Great king of Love, my soul from feigned smarts
Or thought of change, I offer to your trust
This crown, my self and all that I have more,
Except my heart which you bestowed before.
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14.
Except my hart wch you beestow'd before,
and for a ſigne of conquest gaue away
as worthles to bee kept in your choyſe store
yett one more spotles wth you doth nott stay
The tribute wch my hart doth truly pay
faith vntouch'd is, pure thoughts diſcharge ye ſcore
of debts for mee, wher constancy bears ſway,
and rules as Lord, vnharm'd by enuyes ſore,
Yett other miſchiefs faile nott to attend,
as enimies to you, my foes must bee;
curst iealouſie doth all her forces bend
to my vndoing; thus my harmes I ſee
Soe though in Loue I feruently doe burne,
In this strange labourinth how shall I turne? ! s̸
s̸
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Crown 14
Except my heart which you bestowed before,
And for a sign of conquest gave away
As worthless to be kept in your choice store
Yet one more spotless with you doth not stay.
The tribute which my heart doth truly pay
Faith untouched is,* pure thoughts discharge the score
Of debts for me, where constancy bears sway,
And rules as Lord, unharmed by envy's sore.
Yet other mischiefs fail not to attend,
As enemies to you, my foes must be;
Curst jealousy doth all her forces bend
To my undoing; thus my harms I see.
So though in love I fervently do burn,
In this strange labyrinth how shall I turn?*
The first stanza does not have indented second third and fourth lines in the MS, but I have normalised indentations here as occurs in P and was certainly Wroth's intention.
'faith untouched is': 'is faith untouched'
turn?: with the final line of the crown/corona Wroth skilfully returns us to the first line of the opening sonnet to complete the full cycle of fourteen sonnets/fourteen repeated final/opening lines.
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14.
Except my heart, which you beſtowd before,
And for a ſigne of Conqueſt gaue away
As worthleſſe to be kept in your choice ſtore;
Yet one more ſpotleſſe with you doth not ſtay.
The tribute which my heart doth truely pay,
Is faith vntouch'd, pure thoughts diſcharge the ſcore
Of debts for me, where Conſtancy beares ſway,
And rules as Lord, vnharmd by Enuies ſore.
Yet other miſcheifes faile not to attend,
As enemies to you, my foes muſt be,
Curſt Iealouſie doth all her forces bend
To my vndoing, thus my harmes I ſee.
So though in Loue I feruently doe burne,
In this ſtrange Labyrinth how ſhall I turne?
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Crown 14
Except my heart which you bestowed before,
And for a sign of conquest gave away
As worthless to be kept in your choice store
Yet one more spotless with you doth not stay.
The tribute which my heart doth truly pay
Is faith untouched, pure thoughts discharge the score
Of debts for me, where constancy bears sway,
And rules as Lord, unharmed by envy's sore.
Yet other mischiefs fail not to attend,
As enemies to you, my foes must be;
Curst jealousy doth all her forces bend
To my undoing; thus my harms I see.
So though in love I fervently do burn,
In this strange labyrinth how shall I turn?
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Sonett s̸.
Eyes, can you tell mee wher my hart remaines?
have you nott ſeene itt in thoſe louely eyes
wth pride showe you the place itt ther retaines,
and baby=like still paſstime as itt lies?
Or can you in that bleſsed brest ſurpriſe
the run-away? when itt new triumph gaines
to lodg wher greatest harts for mercy cries?
haue you nott ſeene itt ther ioye att theyr paines?
Iff neither wher? wher liues itt? wher abides
this careles sprite who from mee cloſely slides,
and hartles leaus mee? O, alas I knowe
Itt is petitioning for pitty's place
wher loue hath purest, and still during grace;
Thus while I thought itt ſor'de, itt creeps beelow;
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Sonnet ('Eyes can you tell me')
Eyes, can you tell me where my heart remains?
Have you not seen it in those lovely eyes,
With pride show you the place it there retains,
And baby-like still pass time as it lies?
Or can you in that blessed breast surprise
The run-away when it new triumph gains
To lodge where greatest hearts for mercy cries?
Have you not seen it there joy at their pains?
If neither, where? Where lives it? Where abides
This careless sprite who from me closely slides,
and heartless leaves me? O, alas, I know:
It is petitioning for pity's place
Where love hath purest and still during* grace;
Thus while I thought it soared, it creeps below.
In this sonnet the heart, the seat of the emotions, moves around the body as if independent of the person's will: this is in part in accord with early modern anatomical theory, which following Galen thought that the heart might not be in a fixed place.
This sonnet is not reprinted in P.
during: in the sense of enduring.
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I.
Sweet lett mee inioye thy ſight
more cleere, more bright then morning ſun,
wch in spring time giues delight
and by wch ſomers pride is wun,
Preſent ſight doth pleaſures moue
wch in ſad abſence wee must miſs,
butt when mett againe in loue
then twiſe redoubled is our bliſs,
Yett this comfort abſence giues,
and butt faithfull louing tries
that though parted, loues force liues
as iust in hart as in our eyes;
Butt ſuch comfort bannish quite
farr ſweeter is itt still to finde
fauour in thy loued ſight
wch preſent ſmiles wth ioyes combind
Eyes of gladnes, lips of loue,
and harts from paſsion nott to turne,
butt in ſweet affections moue
in flames of faith to liue, and burne,
Dearest then this kindnes giue,
and grant mee lyfe wch is your ſight
wherin I more bleſsed liue
then graced wth the ſuns faire light s̸
s̸
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Crown Song 1 ('Sweet let me enjoy')
Sweet let me enjoy thy sight
More clear, more bright than morning $un,
Which in Springtime gives delight
And by which Summer's pride is won,
Present sight doth pleasures move
Which in sad absence we must miss,
But when met again in love
Then twice redoubled is our bliss.
Yet this comfort absence gives,
And but* faithful loving tries
That though parted, love's force lives
As just in heart as in our eyes;
But such comfort banish quite
Far sweeter is it still to find
Favour in thy loved sight
Which present smiles with joys combined.
Eyes of gladness, lips of love,
And hearts from passion not to turn,
But in sweet affections move
In flames of faith to live, and burn,
Dearest then this kindness give,
And grant me life which is your sight
Wherein I more blessed live
Than graced with the sun's fair light.
Roberts [P91] notes that the opening of this song resembles RS song 20:
Sense by unjust force banished
From the objects of your pleasure
Now of you all end is vanished
You who late possessed more treasure.
In P the structure is changed to three 8 line stanzas.
'but' = 'only' in P.
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Song. I.
[transcription note: entire song indented and centred on page]
Sweet, let me enioy thy ſight
More cleare, more bright then morning Sun,
Which in Spring-time giues delight
And by which Summers pride is wun.
Preſent ſight doth pleaſures moue
Which in ſad abſence we muſt miſſe:
But when met againe in loue,
Then twice redoubled is our bliſſe.
Yet this comfort abſence giues,
And only faithfull louing tries,
That though parted, Loues force liues
As iuſt in heart, as in our eyes:
But ſuch comfort baniſh quite,
Farre ſweeter is it, ſtill to finde
Fauour in thy loued ſight,
Which preſent ſmiles with ioyes combind.
Eyes of gladneſſe, lipps of Loue,
And hearts from paſsion not to turne,
But in ſweet affections mooue,
In flames of Faith to liue, and burne.
Deareſt then, this kindneſſe giue,
And grant me life, which is your ſight,
Wherein I more bleſſed liue,
Then graced with the Sunnes faire light.
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Crown Song 1 ('Sweet let me enjoy')
Sweet let me enjoy thy sight
More clear, more bright than morning $un,
Which in Springtime gives delight
And by which Summer's pride is won,
Present sight doth pleasures move
Which in sad absence we must miss,
But when met again in love
Then twice redoubled is our bliss.
Yet this comfort absence gives,
And only faithful loving tries
That though parted, love's force lives
As just in heart as in our eyes;
But such comfort banish quite
Far sweeter is it still to find
Favour in thy loved sight
Which present smiles with joys combined.
Eyes of gladness, lips of love,
And hearts from passion not to turn,
But in sweet affections move
In flames of faith to live, and burn,
Dearest then this kindness give,
And grant me life which is your sight
Wherein I more blessed live
Than graced with the sun's fair light.
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F98 |
F98mod |
P92 |
P92mod |
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2
Sweet Siluia in a shadie wood
wth her faire Nimphs layde downe
ſawe nott farr of wher Cupid stood
the Monarck of loues crowne;
All naked playing wth his wings
wthin a mirtle tree
wch ſight a ſoddaine laughter brings
his godhead ſoe to ſee;
And fondly they beegan to iest
wth ſcofing, and delight,
nott knowing hee did breed vnrest,
and that his will's his light;
When hee perſeauing of theyr ſcorne
grew in ſuch desp'rate rage
who butt for honor first was borne
cowld nott his rage aſwage;
Till shooting of his murdring dart
wch nott long lighting was
knowing the next way to the hart
did through a poore nimph pas;
This shott, the others made to bow
beeſids all thoſe to blame
who ſcorners bee, or nott allow
of powrfull Cupids name;
Take heede then, nor doe idly ſmyle
nor loues commands despiſe
for ſoone will hee your strength beeguile
although hee want his eyes; s̸
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Crown Song 2 ('Sweet Silvia in a shady wood')
Sweet Silvia in a shady wood
With her fair nymphs laid down
Saw not far off where Cupid stood,
The Monarch of love's crown,
All naked playing with his wings
Within a myrtle tree
Which sight a sudden laughter brings
His godhead so to see;
And* fondly they began to jest
With scoffing, and delight,
Not knowing he did breed unrest,
And that his will's his light;*
When he perceiving of their scorn
Grew in such desperate rage
Who but for honour first was born
Could not his rage assuage;
Till shooting off his murdering dart
Which not long lighting was,
Knowing the next way to the heart
Did through a poor nymph pass;
This shot, the others made to bow
Besides all those to blame
Who scorners be, or not allow
Of powerful Cupid's name;
Take heed then, nor do idly smile
Nor Love's commands despise
For soon will he your strength beguile
Although he want his eyes.
Again the structure of this song changes in P into 8 line stanzas and a concluding quatrain.
'And' = 'an' in P.
'light' = 'right' in P.
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2.
Sweet Siluia in a ſhady wood,
With her faire Nimphs layd downe,
Saw not farre off where Cupid ſtood,
The Monarch of Loues Crowne,
All naked, playing with his wings,
Within a Mirtle Tree,
Which ſight a ſudden laughter brings,
His Godhead ſo to ſee.
An fondly they began to ieſt,
With ſcoffing, and delight,
Not knowing he did breed vnreſt,
And that his will's his right:
When he perceiuing of their ſcorne,
Grew in ſuch deſperate rage,
Who but for honour firſt was borne,
Could not his rage aſſwage.
Till ſhooting of his murth'ring dart,
Which not long lighting was,
Knowing the next way to the heart,
Did through a poore Nymph paſſe:
This ſhot the others made to bow,
Beſides all thoſe to blame,
Who ſcorners be, or not allow
Of powerfull Cupids name.
Take heede then nor doe idly ſmile,
Nor Loues commands deſpiſe,
For ſoone will he your ſtrength beguile,
Although he want his eyes.
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Crown Song 2 ('Sweet Silvia in a shady wood')
Sweet Silvia in a shady wood
With her fair nymphs laid down
Saw not far off where Cupid stood,
The Monarch of love's crown,
All naked playing with his wings
Within a myrtle tree
Which sight a sudden laughter brings
His godhead so to see;
An fondly they began to jest
With scoffing, and delight,
Not knowing he did breed unrest,
And that his will's his right
When he perceiving of their scorn
Grew in such desperate rage
Who but for honour first was born
Could not his rage assuage;
Till shooting off his murdering dart
Which not long lighting was,
Knowing the next way to the heart
Did through a poor nymph pass;
This shot, the others made to bow
Besides all those to blame
Who scorners be, or not allow
Of powerful Cupid's name.
Take heed then, nor do idly smile
Nor Love's commands despise
For soon will he your strength beguile
Although he want his eyes.
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F99mod |
P93 |
P93mod |
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3.
Come merry spring delight vs
for winter long did spite vs
in pleaſure still perſeuer,
thy beauties ending neuer,
spring, and growe
lasting ſoe
wth ioyes increaſing euer;
Lett colde from hence bee baniſht
till hopes from mee bee vanisht,
butt bleſs thy dainties growing
in fullnes freely flowing
ſweet birds ſing
for the spring
all mirthe is now beestowing;
Philomeale in this arbour
makes now her louing harbour
yett of her state complaining
her notes in mildnes straining
wch though ſweet
yett doe meete
her former luckles payning ; s̸
s̸
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Crown Song 3 ('Come merry Spring')
Come merry Spring delight us,
For Winter long did spite us
In pleasure still persever,*
Thy beauties ending never,
Spring, and grow
Lasting so
With joys increasing ever;
Let cold from hence be banished
Till hopes from me be vanished,
But bless thy dainties growing
In fullness freely flowing
Sweet birds sing
For the Spring
All mirth is now bestowing;
Philomel* in this arbour
Makes now her loving harbour
Yet of her state complaining,
Her notes in mildness straining
Which though sweet
Yet do meet
Her former luckless paining.
Persever: ie persevere.
Philomel: in Ovid's retelling of the myth, Philomel changes into a nightingale after being raped by Tereus and her song is her attempt to tell her sad story.
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3
[transcription note: indents are deeper than other songs]
Come merry Spring delight vs,
For Winter long did ſpight vs,
In pleaſure ſtill perſeuer,
Thy beauties ending neuer:
Spring, and grow
Lasting ſo,
With ioyes increaſing euer.
Let cold from hence be baniſh'd,
Till hopes from me be vaniſh'd,
But bleſſe thy daynties growing
In fulneſſe freely flowing:
Sweet Bird's ſing
For the Spring,
All mirth is now beſtowing.
Philomel in this Arbour
Makes now her louing Harbour,
Yet of her ſtate complaining,
Her Notes in mildneſſe ſtrayning,
Which though ſweet,
Yet doe meet.
Her former luckleſſe paining.
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Crown Song 3 ('Come merry Spring')
Come merry Spring delight us,
For Winter long did spite us
In pleasure still persever,
Thy beauties ending never,
Spring, and grow
Lasting so
With joys increasing ever;
Let cold from hence be banished
Till hopes from me be vanished,
But bless thy dainties growing
In fullness freely flowing
Sweet birds sing
For the Spring
All mirth is now bestowing;
Philomel in this arbour
Makes now her loving harbour
Yet of her state complaining,
Her notes in mildness straining
Which though sweet
Yet do meet
Her former luckless paining.
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F100mod |
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U34 |
U34mod |
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O! that I might but now as ſenceles bee
of my felt paines, as is that pleaſant tree
of the ſweet muſique thou deere bird dost make,
who I imagin doth my woes partake,
yett contrary wee doe owr paſsions moue
ſince in ſweet notes thou doest thy ſorrowes proue,
I, butt in teares, and ſighs can show I grieue,
and best spent too, ſoe ſome will them beeleeue;
butt yett (allas) thy pleaſure makes mee finde
that hapines to mee, as loue is blinde,
and thus thy wrongs in ſweetnes to attire
throwſe downe my hopes, while lasting woes aspire,
beeſids of mee th'aduantage thou hast gott,
thy griefe thou utterest, mine I utter nott,
Yett thus att last wee may agree in one
I mourne for what now is, thou what is gone; s̸
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Crown Song 3a ('O that I now')
O! that I might but now as senseless be
Of my felt pains, as is that pleasant tree
Of the sweet music thou dear bird dost make,
Who I imagine doth my woes partake,
Yet contrary we do our passions move
Since in sweet notes thou dost thy sorrows prove,
I but in tears and sighs* can show I grieve,
And best spent too, so some will* them believe;
But yet (alas) thy* pleasure makes me find
That happiness to me, as love is blind,
And thus* thy wrongs in sweetness to attire
Throws down my hopes, while lasting* woes aspire,
Besides of me th'advantage thou hast got,
Thy grief thou utterest, mine I utter not.
Yet thus at last we may agree in one
I mourn* for what now* is, thou what is gone.
While in F this forms part of the miscellaneous songs following the crown sequence of sonnets, in Urania this is a poem purportedly written by the Queen of Naples, upon hearing 'a nightingale sweetly singing' in Book Three (fol. 416). [U34]
'tears and sighs' = 'sighs and tears' in U.
'best spent too, so some will' = 'those best spent, if worth do' in U.
'but yet (alas) thy pleasure' = 'yet thy sweet pleasures' in U.
'thus' = 'these' in U.
'while lasting' = 'to make my' in U.
'mourn' = 'moure' in U.
'now' = 'still' in U.
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O that I might but now as ſenſeleſſe bee
Of my felt paines, as is that pleaſant Tree,
Of the ſweet muſique, thou deare Byrd doſt make,
Who I imagine doth my woes partake.
Yet contrary we doe our paſſions mooue,
Since in ſweet notes thou doſt thy ſorrowes prooue.
I but in ſighs, and teares, can ſhew I grieue,
And thoſe beſt ſpent, if worth doe them beleeue.
Yet thy ſweet pleaſures makes me euer finde
That happineſſe to me, as Loue is blinde,
And theſe thy wrongs in ſweetneſſe to attire,
Throwes downe my hopes to make my woes aſpire.
Beſides, of me th'aduantage thou haſt got,
Thy griefe thou vtter'ſt, mine I vtter not.
Yet thus at laſt we may agree in one,
I moure for what ſtill is, thou, what is gone.
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Crown Song Unnumbered ('O that I might now senseless be')
O! that I might but now as senseless be
Of my felt pains, as is that pleasant tree
Of the sweet music thou dear bird dost make,
Who I imagine doth my woes partake,
Yet contrary we do our passions move
Since in sweet notes thou dost thy sorrows prove,
I, but in sighs and tears can show I grieve,
And those best spent, if worth do them believe;
Yet thy sweet pleasures makes me find
That happiness to me, as love is blind,
And these thy wrongs in sweetness to attire
throws down my hopes, to make my woes aspire,
Besides of me th'advantage thou hast got,
Thy grief thou utterest, mine I utter not.
Yet thus at last we may agree in one
I more* for what still is, thou what is gone.
More: 'moure' is perhaps a mis-transcription of F 'mourn'.
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P94mod |
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4.s̸
Louers learne to speake butt truthe
ſweare nott, and your othes forgoe,
giue your age a constant youth
vowe noe more then what you'll doe
Thinke itt ſacrilidg to breake
what you promiſe shall in loue,
and in teares what you may speake
forgett nott when the ends you proue;
Doe nott thinke itt glory is
to intiſce, and then deſeaue
your chiefe honors ly in this
by worth what wunn is, nott to leaue;
'T'is nott for your fames to try
what wee weake nott oft refuſe
in owr bownty owr faults ly
when you to doe a fault will chuſe;
Fy, leaue this, a greater gaine
't'is to keepe when you haue wunn
then what purchaced is wt paine
ſoone after in all ſcorne to shun;
For if worthles to bee priz'd
why att first will you itt moue,
and if worthy, why dispiſ'd
you can nott ſweare, and ly, and loue,
Loue (alas) you can nott like
't'is butt, for a fashion mou'd
non can chuſe, and then dislike
vnles itt bee by faulshood prou'd
Butt your choice is, and yor loue
how most numbers to deſeaue,
as if honors claime did moue
like Popish lawe, non ſafe to leaue;
Fly this folly, and returne
vnto truth in loue, and try,
none butt Martirs hapy burne
more shamefull ends they haue that lye s̸
s̸
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Crown Song 4 ('Lovers learn to speak but truth')
Lovers learn to speak but truth,
Swear not, and your oaths forego,
Give your age a constant youth
Vow no more than what you'll do.
Think it sacrilege to break
What you promise shall in love,
And in tears what you may* speak,
Forget not when the ends you prove.
Do not think it glory is
To entice, and then deceive,
Your chief honours lie in this:
By worth what won is, not to leave.
'Tis not for your fames* to try
What we, weak, not oft refuse,
In our bounty our faults lie
When you to do a fault will choose.
Fie, leave this, a greater gain
'Tis to keep when you have won
Than what purchased is with pain
Soon after in all scorn to shun.
For if worthless to be prized
Why at first will you it move,
And if worthy, why despised?
You cannot swear, and lie, and love.
Love (alas) you cannot like
'Tis but for a fashion moved
None can choose, and then dislike
Unless it be by falsehood* proved.
But your choice is, and your love,
How most numbers* to deceive,
As if honour's claim did move
Like Popish law,* none safe to leave;
Fly this folly, and return
Unto truth in love, and try,
None but martyrs happy burn,
More shameful ends they have that lie.
'may' = 'do' in P.
'fames' = 'fame' in P.
'falsehood' = 'fausehood' in P.
'numbers' = number in P.
Popish law: an interesting political reference: the Sidney family were militantly anti-Catholic and when Wroth was writing her poems tensions between the Catholic and Protestant factions at court were intense. The Popish law specifically in this political context may be the supposed justification for the killing of a non-Catholic monarch. The religious references in this song begin with the idea of it being sacrilege to break promises made in love.
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4.
Louers learne to ſpeake but truth,
Sweare not, and your oathes forgoe,
Giue your age a constant youth,
Vow no more then what you'le doe.
Thinke it ſacriledge to breake
What you promiſe, ſhall in loue
And in teares what you doe ſpeake
Forget not, when the ends you proue.
Doe not thinke it glory is
To entice, and then deceiue,
Your chiefe honors lye in this,
By worth what wonne is, not to leaue.
'Tis not for your fame to try,
What we weake, not oft refuſe,
In our bounty our faults lye,
When you to doe a fault will chuſe.
Fye leaue this, a greater gaine,
tis to keepe when you haue won,
Then what purchaſ'd is with paine,
Soone after in all ſcorne to ſhun.
For if worthleſſe to be priz'd,
Why at firſt will you it moue?
And if worthy, why diſpis'd?
You cannot ſweare, and lie, and loue.
Loue alaſſe you cannot like,
Tis but for a faſhion mou'd,
None can chuſe, and then diſlike,
Vnleſſe it be by faſhood prou'd.
But your choyce is, and your loue.
How most number to deceiue,
As if honors claime did moue
Like Popiſh Law, none ſafe to leaue.
Flye this folly, and returne
Vnto truth in Loue, and try,
None but Martir's happy burne,
More ſhamefull ends they haue that lye.
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Crown Song 4 ('Lovers learn to speak but truth')
Lovers learn to speak but truth,
Swear not, and your oaths forego,
Give your age a constant youth
Vow no more than what you'll do.
Think it sacrilege to break
What you promise shall in love,
And in tears what you do speak,
Forget not when the ends you prove.
Do not think it glory is
To entice, and then deceive,
Your chief honours lie in this:
By worth what won is, not to leave.
'T'is not for your fame to try
What we, weak, not oft refuse,
In our bounty our faults lie
When you to do a fault will choose.
Fie, leave this, a greater gain
'Tis to keep when you have won
Than what purchased is with pain
Soon after in all scorn to shun.
For if worthless to be prized
Why at first will you it move,
And if worthy, why despised?
You cannot swear, and lie, and love.
Love (alas) you cannot like
'Tis but for a fashion moved
None can choose, and then dislike
Unless it be by falsehood proved.
But your choice is, and your love,
How most number to deceive,
As if honour's claim did move
Like Popish law, none safe to leave;
Fly this folly, and return
Unto truth in love, and try,
None but martyrs happy burn,
More shameful ends they have that lie.
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F102mod |
P40 |
P40mod |
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1.
Faulçe hope wch feeds butt to destroy, and spill
what itt first breeds; vnaturall to the birth
of thine owne wombe; conceauing butt to kill,
and plenty giues to make the greater dearth,
Soe Tirants doe who faulsly ruling earth
outwardly grace them, and wth profitts fill
aduance thoſe who appointed are to death
to make the greater falle to pleaſe theyr will.
Thus shadow they theyr wicked vile intent
coulering euill wth the mask of good
while in faire showes theyr malice ſoe is spent
hope kills the hart, and tirants shed the blood
For hope deluding brings vs to the pride
of our deſires the farder downe to slide; s̸
s̸
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Crown Sonnet 2.1 ('False hope')
False hope which feeds but to destroy, and spill
What it first breeds; unnatural to the birth*
Of thine own womb; conceiving but to kill,
And plenty gives to make the greater dearth,
So tyrants do who falsely ruling earth
Outwardly grace them, and with profit's fill
Advance those who appointed are to death
To make the greater* fall to please their will.
Thus shadow they their wicked vile intent,
Colouring evil with the mask* of good
While in fair shows their malice so is spent
Hope kills the heart, and tyrants shed the blood.
For hope deluding brings us to the pride
Of our desires the farther down to slide.
In P this sonnet is moved to become sonnet 35, (fol. 20). [P40]
birth: the arresting image of conception/miscarriage might be seen as a reflection of Wroth's own experience, though as 'spoken' by Pamphilia the image is more distanced.
'the greater' = 'their greater' in P.
'the mask' = 'a show' in P.
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35.
Falſe Hope which feeds but to deſtroy and ſpill
What it firſt breeds, vnnaturall to the blrth
Of thine owne wombe, conceiuing but to kill
And plenty giues to make the greater dearth.
So Tyrants doe, who falſly ruling Earth,
Outwardly grace them, and with profits fill,
Aduance thoſe who appointed are to death;
To make their greater fall to pleaſe their will.
Thus ſhadow they their wicked vile intent,
Colouring euill with a ſhow of good:
While in faire ſhowes their malice ſo is ſpent;
Hope kill's the heart, and Tyrants ſhed the blood.
For Hode deluding brings vs to the pride
Of our deſires the farther downe to ſlide.
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35.
False hope which feeds but to destroy, and spill
What it first breeds; unnatural to the birth
Of thine own womb; conceiving but to kill,
And plenty gives to make the greater dearth,
So tyrants doe who falsely ruling earth
Outwardly grace them, and with profit's fill
Advance those who appointed are to death
To make their greater fall to please their will.
Thus shadow they their wicked vile intent
Colouring evil with a show of good
While in fair shows their malice so is spent
Hope kills the heart, and tyrants shed the blood.
For hope deluding brings us to the pride
Of our desires the farther down to slide.
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F103mod |
P47 |
P47mod |
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2.
You bleſsed starrs wch doe heauns glory show,
and att your brightnes makes our eyes admire
yett enuy nott if I on earth beelow
inioy a ſight wch moues in mee more fire;
I doe confeſs ſuch beauty breeds deſire,
you shine, and cleerest light on vs beestow,
yett doth a ſight on earth more warmth inspire
into my louing ſoule, his force to knowe;
Cleere, bright, and shining as you are, is this
light of my ioye, fixt stedfast nor will moue
his light from mee, nor I chang from his loue,
butt still increaſe as th'eith of all my bliſs
His ſight giues lyfe vnto my loue=rulde eyes
my loue content beecauſe in his, loue lies; s̸
s̸
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Crown sonnet 2.2 ('You blessed stars')
You blessed stars which do Heaven's glory show,
And at your brightness makes our eyes admire
Yet envy not if* I on earth below
Enjoy a sight which moves in me more fire;
I do confess such beauty breeds desire,
You shine, and clearest light on us bestow,
Yet doth a sight on earth more warmth inspire
Into my loving soul, his force* to know;
Clear, bright, and shining as you are, is this
Light of my joy, fixed steadfast, nor will move
His light from me, nor I change from his love,
But still increase as th'height* of all my bliss.
His sight gives* life unto my love-ruled eyes,
My love content because in his, love lies.
Moved to become sonnet 41 in P (fol. 24). [P47]
Pritchard notes a parallel with RS sonnet 1:
You purest stars, whose never-dying fires
Deck heavenly spheres and rule the world below,
Grudge not if I in your clear beauties know
The fair maid's eyes, the stars of my desires.
To earthly hearts your light which not expires
Makes known the matchless place wherein you go;
And they the mind which through them shines do show,
Whose clearest beams my soul as heaven admires.
You shine still one, and alter not your race
At suit of those which most your lights adore,
For well you know you shine for heaven's grace,
And they in whom all eyes on earth are blest,
Though than the heavenly lights I love them more,
Shine to the world and me but with the rest.
Also some similarity to Greville, Caelica 4 (which may well derive from RS):
You little stars that live in skies/And glory in Apollo's glory'.
'if' = 'though' in P.
'force' = 'grace' in P.
th'height: Wroth's 'th'eith' in F = 'th'earth' in P: clearly a misunderstanding.
'gives' = 'give' in P.
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41.
You bleſſed Starres, which doe Heauen's glory ſhow,
And at your brightneſſe make our eyes admire:
Yet enuy not, though I on earth below,
Inioy a ſight which moues in me more fire.
I doe confeſſe ſuch beauty breeds deſire
You ſhine, and cleareſt light on vs beſtow:
Yet doth a ſight on Earth more warmth inſpire
Into my louing ſoule his grace to know.
Cleare, bright, and ſhining, as you are, is this
Light of my ioy: fix't ſtedfaſt, nor will moue
His light from me, nor I change from his loue;
But ſtill increaſe as th'earth of all my bliſſe.
His ſight giue life vnto my loue-rould eye,
My loue content, becauſe in his loue lies.
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41.
You blessed stars which do heaven's glory show,
And at your brightness makes our eyes admire
Yet envy not though I on earth below
Enjoy a sight which moves in me more fire;
I do confess such beauty breeds desire,
You shine, and clearest light on us bestow,
Yet doth a sight on earth more warmth inspire
Into my loving soul, his grace to know;
Clear, bright, and shining as you are, is this
Light of my joy, fixed steadfast nor will move
His light from me, nor I change from his love,
But still increase as th'earth* of all my bliss.
His sight give life unto my love-ruled eyes
My love content because in his, love lies.
'th'earth': a transcription error for F's 'th'eith' = th'height.
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P41 |
P41mod |
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3.
How well poore hart thou wittnes canst I loue,
how oft my griefe hath made thee shed for teares
drops of thy deerest blood, and how oft feares
borne testimony of the paines I proue,
What torments hast thou ſufferd while aboue
ioy; thou tortur'd wert wt racks wch longing beares
pinch'd wt deſires wch yett butt wishing reares
firme in my faith, in constancy to moue,
Yett is itt ſayd that ſure loue can nott bee
wher ſoe ſmall showe of paſsion is deſcri'd,
when thy chiefe paine is that I must itt hide
from all ſaue only one who showld itt ſee
For know more paſsion in my hart doth moue
then in a millian that make show they loue s̸
s̸
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Crown sonnet 2.3 ('How well poor heart')
How well poor heart thou witness canst I love,
How oft my grief hath made thee shed for* tears
Drops of thy dearest blood, and how oft fears
Borne testimony of the pains I prove,
What torments hast thou suffered while above
Joy thou tortured wert with racks which longing bears.
Pinched with desires which yet but wishing rears*
Firm in my faith, in constancy to move,
Yet is it said that sure love cannot be
Where so small show of passion is descried,
When thy chief pain is that I must it hide
From all save only one who should it see.
For know more passion in my heart doth move
Than in a million that make show they* love.
This sonnet moved to become sonnet 36 in P (fol. 20). [P41]
rears: ie like a rearing horse, with in the stanza a tension between the need to shift/move and the determination to remain fixed/constant.
'for' = 'forth' in P.
'they' = 'of' in P.
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36.
How well (poore heart) thou witneſſe canſt, I loue,
How oft my grief hath made thee ſhed forth teares,
Drops of thy deareſt blood; and how oft feares
Borne teſtimony of the paines I proue?
What torments haſt thou ſuffer'd, while aboue
Ioy thou tortur'd wert with racks, which longing bears:
Pinch'd with deſires, which yet but wiſhing reares
Firme in my faith, in conſtancie, to moue.
Yet is it ſaid, that ſure loue cannot be,
Where ſo ſmall ſhew of paſſion is deſcri'd;
When thy chiefe paine is, that I muſt it hide
From all, ſaue onely one, who ſhould it ſee.
For know, more paſſion in my heart doth moue,
Then in a million that make ſhew of loue.
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36.
How well poor heart thou witness canst I love,
How oft my grief hath made thee shed forth tears,
Drops of thy dearest blood, and how oft fears
Borne testimony of the pains I prove,
What torments hast thou suffered while above
Joy thou tortured wert with racks which longing bears.
Pinched with desires which yet but wishing rears
Firm in my faith, in constancy to move,
Yet is it said that sure love cannot be
Where so small show of passion is descried,
When thy chief pain is that I must it hide
From all save only one who should it see.
For know more passion in my heart doth move
Than in a million that make show of love.
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F105 |
F105mod |
P98 |
P98mod |
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4
When I beeheld the Image of my deere
wth greedy lookes mine eyes would that way bend,
fear, and deſire did inwardly contend
feare to bee mark'd, deſire to drawe still neere,
And in my ſoule a speritt wowld apeer,
wch boldnes waranted, and did pretend
to bee my genius, yett I durst nott lend
my eyes in trust wher others seemd ſoe cleere,
Then did I ſearch from whence this danger 'roſe,
if ſuch vnworthynes in mee did rest
as my steru'd eyes must nott[transcription_note: nott has been added. Paul may want to note this.] wth ſight bee blest;
when iealouſie her poyſon did diſcloſe;
Yett in my hart vnſeene of iealous eye
the truer Image shall in triumph lye; s̸
s̸
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Crown sonnet 2.4 ('When I beheld')
When I beheld the image of my dear
With greedy looks mine eyes would that way bend,
Fear and desire did inwardly contend:
Fear to be marked, desire to draw still near.
And in my soul a spirit would appear,
Which boldness warranted, and did pretend
To be my genius, yet I durst not lend
My eyes in trust where others seemed so clear.
Then did I search from whence this danger 'rose,
If such unworthiness in me did rest
As my starved eyes must not with sight be blest;
When jealousy her poison did disclose;
Yet in my heart unseen of jealous eye
The truer image shall in triumph lie.
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4.
When I beheld the Image of my deare,
With greedy lookes mine eies would that way bend,
Feare, and Deſire, did inwardly contend;
Feare to be mark'd, Deſire to draw ſtill neere.
And in my ſoule a Spirit would appeare,
Which boldnes waranted, and did pretend
To be my Genius; yet I durſt not lend,
My eyes in truſt, where others ſeem'd ſo cleare.
Then did I ſearch, from whence this danger roſe,
If ſuch vnworthyneſſe in me did reſt,
As my ſtaru'd eyes muſt not with ſight be bleſt,
When Iealouſie her poyſon did diſcloſe.
Yet in my heart vnſeene of Iealous eye,
The truer Image ſhall in tryumph lye.
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Crown sonnet 2. 4 ('When I beheld')
When I beheld the image of my dear
With greedy looks mine eyes would that way bend,
Fear and desire did inwardly contend:
Fear to be marked, desire to draw still near.
And in my soul a spirit would appear,
Which boldness warranted, and did pretend
To be my genius, yet I durst not lend
My eyes in trust where others seemed so clear.
Then did I search from whence this danger 'rose,
If such unworthiness in me did rest
As my starved eyes must not with sight be blest;
When jealousy her poison did disclose;
Yet in my heart unseen of jealous eye
The truer image shall in triumph lie.
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F106 |
F106mod |
P99 |
P99mod |
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5.
Like to huge clowds of ſmoke wch well may hide
the face of fairest day though for awhile,
ſoe wrongs may shadow mee, till truth doe ſmile,
and iustice (ſun like) hath thoſe vapors tride,
O doting Time, canst thou for shame lett slide
ſoe many minutes while ills doe beguile,
thy age, and worth, and faulshoods thus defile
thy ancient good, wher now butt croſses 'bide,
Looke once butt vp, and leaue thy toyling pace,
and on my myſeries thy dim eyes place
goe nott ſoe fast, butt giue my care ſome end,
Turne nott thy glas (alas) vnto my ill
ſince thou wth ſand itt can nott ſoe farr fill
butt to each one my ſorrows will >doe< extend, s̸
s̸
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Crown sonnet 2.5 ('Like to huge clouds')
Like to huge clouds of smoke which well may hide
The face of fairest day, though for a while,
So wrongs* may shadow me, till truth do smile,
And justice (sun-like) hath those vapours tried.*
O doting Time, canst thou for shame let slide*
So many minutes while ills do beguile
Thy age, and worth, and falsehoods thus defile
Thy ancient good, where now but crosses 'bide,
Look once but* up, and leave thy toiling pace,
And on my miseries thy dim eyes* place.
Go not so fast, but give my care some end.
Turn not thy glass* (alas) unto my ill,
Since thou with sand it cannot* so far fill
But to each one my sorrows will* extend.
'wrongs' = 'wrong' in P.
'tried' = 'tied' in P.
'slide' = slid in P.
'once but' = 'but once' in P.
'eyes' = 'eye' in P.
Glass: ie hourglass.
'cannot': F's 'can not' = 'canst not' in P.
'will': in F 'do' overwritten as will, 'will' in P.
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5.
Like to huge Clowdes of ſmoake which well may hide
The face of faireſt day, though for a while:
So wrong may ſhaddow me, till truth doe ſmile,
And Iuſtice Sunne-like hath thoſe vapours tyde.
O doating Time, canſt thou for ſhame let ſlid,
So many minutes, while ills doe beguile
Thy age, and worth, and falſhoods thus defile
Thy auncient good, where now but croſſes bide?
Looke but once vp, and leaue thy toyling pace
And on my miſeries thy dimme eye place,
Goe not ſo faſt, but giue my care ſome ende,
Turne not thy glaſſe (alas) vnto my ill
Since thou with ſand it canſt not ſo farre fill,
But to each one my ſorrowes will extend.
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Crown sonnet 2.5 ('Like to huge clouds' )
Like to huge clouds of smoke which well may hide
The face of fairest day though for a while,
So wrong may shadow me, till truth do smile,
And justice (sun-like) hath those vapours tied.
O doting Time, canst thou for shame let slid*
So many minutes while ills do beguile
Thy age, and worth, and falsehoods thus defile
Thy ancient good, where now but crosses 'bide,
Look but once up, and leave thy toiling pace,
And on my miseries thy dim eye place.
Go not so fast, but give my care some end.
Turn not thy glass (alas) unto my ill,
Since thou with sand it canst not so far fill
But to each one my sorrows will extend.
slid: a transcription error for slide.
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F107mod |
P100 |
P100mod |
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6.
O! that noe day would euer more appeere,
butt clowdy night to gouerne this ſad place,
nor light from heau'n thes haples rooms to grace
ſince that light's shadow'd wch my loue holds deere;
Lett thickest mists in enuy master heere,
and ſunn=borne day for malice showe noe face,
diſdaining light wher Cupid, and the race
of Louers are dispiſde, and shame shines cleere,
Lett mee bee darke, ſince bard of my chiefe light;
and wounding iealouſie commands by might;
butt stage play like diſguiſed pleaſures giue;
To mee itt ſeems as ancient fictions make
the starrs all fashions, and all shapes partake
while in my thoughts true forme of loue shall liue,
s̸
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Crown sonnet 2.6 ('O that no day')
O! that no day would ever more appear,
But cloudy night to govern this sad place,
Nor light from Heaven these hapless rooms to grace
Since that light's shadowed which my love holds dear.
Let thickest mists in envy master here,
And sun-born day for malice show no face,
Disdaining light where Cupid, and the race
Of lovers, are despised, and shame shines clear.
Let me be dark, since barred of my chief light,
And wounding jealousy commands by might;
But stage-play-like* disguised pleasures give;
To me it seems as ancient fictions make
The stars all fashions and all shapes partake,
While in my thoughts true form of love shall live.
stage-play-like: Wroth uses images of plays and acting on a number of occasions, perhaps in part deriving from her own experience of performing in court masques.
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6.
O that no day would euer more appeare,
But clowdy night to gouerne this ſad place,
Nor light from Heauen theſe haples roomes to grace
Since that light's ſhadow'd which my Loue holds deare.
Let thickeſt miſts in enuy maſter here,
And Sunne-borne day for malice ſhow no face,
Diſdaining light, where Cupid, and the race
Of Louers are deſpiſd, and ſhame ſhines cleere.
Let me be darke, ſince barr'd of my chiefe light,
And wounding Iealouſie commands by might,
But ſtage-play-like diſguiſed pleaſures giue:
To me it ſeemes, as ancient fictions make
The Starrs, all faſhious, and all ſhapes partake,
While in my thoughts true forme of Loue ſhall liue.
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Crown sonnet 2.6 ('O that no day')
O! that no day would ever more appear,
But cloudy night to govern this sad place,
Nor light from Heaven these hapless rooms to grace
Since that light's shadowed which my love holds dear.
Let thickest mists in envy master here,
And sun-born day for malice show no face,
Disdaining light where Cupid and the race
Of lovers are despised, and shame shines clear.
Let me be dark, since barred of my chief light,
And wounding jealousy commands by might,
But stage-play-like disguised pleasures give;
To me it seems as ancient fictions make
The stars all fashions and all shapes partake,
While in my thoughts true form of love shall live.
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P101mod |
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7.
No time, noe roome, noe thought, nor writing can
giue rest, or quiett to my louing hart,
nor can my memory or phantſie ſcan
the meaſure of my still renuing ſmart,
Yett would I nott (deere loue) thou should'st depart
butt lett thy paſsions as they first began
rule, wounde, and pleaſe, itt is thy choyſest art
to giue disquiett wch ſeemes eaſe to man;
When all alone, I thinke vpon thy paine
how thou doest traueile owr best ſelues to gaine;
then howerly thy leſsons doe I learne,
Think on thy glory wch shall still aſsend
vntill the world come to a finall end,
and then shall wee thy lasting powre deſerne s̸
s̸
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Crown sonnet 2.7 ('No time, no room')
No time, no room, no thought, nor* writing can
Give rest, or quiet to my loving heart,
Nor* can my memory or fancy scan
The measure of my still-renewing smart.
Yet would I not (dear love) thou shouldst depart
But let thy* passions as they first began
Rule, wound, and please, it is thy choicest art
To give disquiet which seems ease to man;
When all alone I think upon thy pain,
How thou dost travail our best selves to gain;
Then hourly thy lessons do I* learn,
Think on thy glory which shall still ascend
Until the world come to a final end,
And then shall we thy lasting power discern.
'nor' = 'or' in P.
'nor' = 'or' in P.
'thy' = 'my' in P.
'do I' = 'I do' in P.
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7.
No time, no roome, no thought, or writing can
Giue reſt, or quiet to my louing heart,
Or can my memory, or Phant'ſie ſcan,
The meaſure of my ſtill renewing ſmart.
Yet whould I not (deare Loue) thou ſhouldſt depart,
But let my paſſions as they firſt began,
Rule, wound, and pleaſe, it is thy choyſeſt Art,
To giue diſquiet, which ſeemes eaſe to man.
When all alone, I thinke vpon thy paine,
How thou doſt trauell our beſt ſelues to gaine,
Then houerly thy leſſons I doe learne;
Thinke on thy glory, which ſhall ſtill aſcend,
Vntill the world come to a finall end,
And then ſhall we thy laſting powre dicerne.
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Crown sonnet 2.7 ('No time, no room')
No time, no room, no thought, or writing can
Give rest, or quiet to my loving heart,
Or can my memory or fancy scan
The measure of my still-renewing smart.
Yet would I not (dear love) thou shouldst depart,
But let my passions as they first began
Rule, wound, and please, it is thy choicest art
To give disquiet which seems ease to man;
When all alone I think upon thy pain,
How thou dost travail our best selves to gain;
Then hourly thy lessons I do learn,
Think on thy glory which shall still ascend
Until the world come to a final end,
And then shall we thy lasting power discern.
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F109 |
F109mod |
P102 |
P102mod |
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8.
How gloewoorme like the ſunn doth now apeere
colde beames doe from his gloriouſe face deſend
wch showes his days, and force draw to an end,
or that to leaue taking his time growes neere,
This day his face did ſeeme butt pale, though cleere
the reaſon is hee to the north must lend
his light, and warmth must to that climate bend
whoſe frozen parts cowld nott loues heat hold deere,
Alas if thou (bright ſun) to part from hence
grieue ſoe, what must I haples? who from thence
wher thou dost goe my bleſsing shall attend
Thou shalt inioye that ſight for wch I dy,
and in my hart thy fortunes doe enuy,
yett grieue, I'le loue thee, for this state may mend s̸
s̸
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Crown sonnet 2.8 ('How glowworm like the sun')
How glowworm-like the sun doth now appear,
Cold beams do from his glorious face descend,
Which shows his days and force draw to an end,
Or that to leave-taking his time grows near.
This* day his face did seem but pale, though clear,
The reason is: he to the North must lend
His light, and warmth must to that climate bend
Whose frozen parts could not love's heat hold dear.
Alas if thou (bright sun) to part from hence
Grieve so, what must I, hapless, who from thence
Where thou dost go my blessing shall attend?
Thou shalt enjoy that sight for which I die,
And in my heart thy fortunes do envy --
Yet grieve, I'll love thee, for this state may mend.*
Roberts notes a parallel with the imagery of John Donne's 'A Nocturnal Upon St Lucy's day':
'Tis the year's midnight, and it is the day's,
Lucy's, who scarce seven hours herself unmasks ;
The sun is spent, and now his flasks
Send forth light squibs, no constant rays ;
The world's whole sap is sunk ;
The general balm th' hydroptic earth hath drunk,
Whither, as to the bed's-feet, life is shrunk,
Dead and interred ; yet all these seem to laugh,
Compared with me, who am their epitaph.
'This' = 'thee' in P.
'mend' = ' 'mend' in P: the apostrophe indicating an abbreviation of amend which may also be intended in F.
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8.
How Glowworme-like the Sun doth now appeare,
Cold beames doe from his glorious face deſcend
Which ſhewes his daies, and force draw to an ende,
Or that to leaue taking, his time growes neere.
The day his face did ſeeme but pale, though cleare,
The reaſon is, he to the North muſt lend
His light, and warmth muſt to that Climat bend,
Whoſe frozen parts could not loues heat hold deare
Alas, if thou bright Sunne to part from hence
Grieue ſo, what muſt I hapleſſe who from thence,
Where thou doſt goe my bleſſing ſhall attend;
Thou ſhalt enioy that ſight for which I dye,
And in my heart thy fortunes doe enuy,
Yet grieue, I'le loue thee, for this ſtate may 'mend.
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Crown sonnet 2.8 ('How glowworm like the sun')
How glowworm-like the sun doth now appear,
Cold beams do from his glorious face descend,
Which shows his days and force draw to an end,
Or that to leave-taking his time grows near.
The day his face did seem but pale, though clear,
The reason is: he to the North must lend
His light, and warmth must to that climate bend
Whose frozen parts could not love's heat hold dear.
Alas if thou (bright sun) to part from hence
Grieve so, what must I, hapless, who from thence
Where thou dost go my blessing shall attend?
Thou shalt enjoy that sight for which I die,
And in my heart thy fortunes do envy --
Yet grieve, I'll love thee, for this state may 'mend.*
'mend: if the initial apostrophe is intended this is an abbreviation for amend, perhaps with a pun on 'mend'.
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F110mod |
P103 |
P103mod |
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[transcription note: not numbered]
My muſe now hapy, lay thy ſelf to rest
sleepe in the quiett of a faithfull loue,
write you noe more, butt lett thes phant'ſies moue
ſome other harts, wake nott to new vnrest,
Butt if you study, bee thoſe thoughts adrest
to truth, wch shall eternall goodnes proue;
inioying of true ioye, the most, and best,
the endles gaine wch neuer will remoue;
Leaue the diſcource of Venus, and her ſun
to young beeginers, and theyr brains inspire
wth storys of great loue, and from that fire
gett heat to write the fortunes they haue wun,
And thus leaue of what's past showes you can loue,
Now lett your constancy your honor proue; s̸
s̸
s̸Pamphilias̸
s̸
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Crown sonnet 2.9 ('My muse now happy')
My Muse, now happy, lay thyself to rest,
Sleep in the quiet of a faithful love,
Write you no more, but let these fancies move
Some other hearts; wake not to new unrest,
But if you study, be those thoughts addressed
To truth, which shall eternal goodness prove;
Enjoying of true joy, the most, and best,
The endless gain which never will remove.
Leave the discourse of Venus and her son*
To young beginners, and their brains inspire
With stories of great love, and from that fire
Get heat to write the fortunes they have won,
And thus leave off:* what's past shows you can love,
Now let your constancy your honour prove.
Pamphilia
This sonnet is moved in P to be the final sonnet [P103] in the sequence printed at the end of Urania (fols. 47-8); the signature of 'Pamphilia' is replaced by 'FINIS'. While in the manuscript it is followed by other poems, the fact that it is there signed 'Pamphilia' (and its theme) indicate that it concludes the sequence if not the MS volume as a whole. The sonnet seems like a resolution of not just 'Pamphilia's' dismay at being subject to desire for an unreliable lover, but also a resolution of Wroth's treatment of love and desire from a female perspective.
'son': 'sun' in the MS, 'son' in P and in this case while a pun on son/sun may be present at some distance, 'son' is surely the primary meaning in context.
'off': 'of' in MS, 'off' in P and off seems intended.
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9.
My Muſe now happy lay thy ſelfe to reſt,
Sleepe in the quiet of a faithfull loue,
Write you no more, but let theſe Phant'ſies mooue
Some other hearts, wake not to new vnreſt.
But if you Study be thoſe thoughts adreſt
To truth, which ſhall eternall goodnes prooue;
Enioying of true ioy the moſt, and beſt
The endles gaine which neuer will remoue.
Leaue the diſcourſe of Venus, and her ſonne
To young beginners, and their braines inſpire
With ſtoryes of great Loue, and from that fire,
Get heat to write the fortunes they haue wonne.
And thus leaue off; what's paſt ſhewes you can loue,
Now let your Conſtancy your Honor proue.
FINIS.
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Crown sonnet 2.9 ('My muse now happy')
My Muse, now happy, lay thyself to rest,
Sleep in the quiet of a faithful love,
Write you no more, but let these fancies move
Some other hearts; wake not to new unrest,
But if you study, be those thoughts addressed
To truth, which shall eternal goodness prove;
Enjoying of true joy, the most, and best,
The endless gain which never will remove.
Leave the discourse of Venus and her son
To young beginners, and their brains inspire
With stories of great love, and from that fire
Get heat to write the fortunes they have won,
And thus leave off: what's past shows you can love,
Now let your constancy your honour prove.
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F111 |
F111mod |
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Sonett s̸.
Vnquiet griefe ſearch farder, in my hart
if place bee found wch thou hast nott poſsest
or ſoe much space can build hopes ſmalest nest
take itt from mee, I ame the lodg of ſmart,
Despaire, dispaire hath vſ'd the skilfulst art
to ruin hope, and murder eaſfull rest,
O mee, dispaire my vine of hope hath prest
rauisht the grapes the leaues left for my part:
Yett ruler griefe, nor thou dispaire deny
this last request, proclaime t'was nott ſuspect
grafted this bud of ſorrow in my brest
Butt knowledg dayly doth my loſs deſcry
colde loue's now maskd wt care; chang wt respect
When true flames liu'd thes faulse fires were ſupprest; s̸
s̸
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Sonnet 11 ('Unquiet grief')
Unquiet grief search farther in my heart
If place be found which thou hast not possessed,
Or so much space can build hope's smallest nest,
Take it from me, I am* the lodge of smart,
Despair, despair hath used the skilfullest art
To ruin hope, and murder easeful rest,
O me, despair my vine of hope hath pressed,
Ravished the grapes, the leaves left for my part.
Yet ruler grief, nor thou despair deny
This last request, proclaim* 'twas not suspect*
Grafted this bud of sorrow in my breast,
But knowledge daily doth my loss descry,
Cold love's now masked* with care, change with respect,
When true flames lived these false fires were suppressed.
In U this powerful sonnet is reluctantly read by Pamphilia to Meriana when Meriana begs to hear some of her poetry (fol. 392).
'from me, I am' = ' 'tis thine, mine is' in U.
'proclaim' = 'proclaims' in U.
suspect: ie suspicion.
'masked' = matched' in U.
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Sonett s̸
Can the lou'd Image of thy deerest face,
ſoe miroir like preſent thee to my ſight
yett Cristalls coldenes gaine loues ſweetest place
When warmth wth ſight hath euer equall might
You ſay t'is butt the picture of true light
wherof my hart is made the ſafest caſe
faithfully keeping that rich pourtraits right
from change or thought yt relique to displace,
My brest doth nourish itt, and wth itt liues
as oyle to Lamps theyr lasting beeing giues
each looke alures a wish of meeting ioye;
Iff butt a picture, then restore wth eaſe
the lyfe peece of my ſoule, and lett itt ſeaze
this chillnes into heate, and barrs destroy; s̸
s̸
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Sonnet 12 ('Can the loved image')
Can the loved image of thy dearest face,
So mirror-like, present thee to my sight,
Yet crystal's coldness gain love's sweetest place
When warmth with sight hath ever equal might.
You say 'tis but the picture of true light
Whereof my heart is made the safest case,
Faithfully keeping that rich portrait's right
From change or thought that relic to displace.
My breast doth nourish it, and with it lives
As oil to lamps their lasting being gives,
Each look allures a wish of meeting joy.
If but a picture, then restore with ease
The life-piece of my soul, and let it seize
This chillness into heat, and bars destroy.
This sonnet is only present in the manuscript. The subtle play between image/picture and original is impressive and it is puzzling as to why Wroth would not have included it in the published sequence or within Urania.
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Sonett s̸
Oft did I wounder why the ſweets of Loue
were counted paines, sharp wounds, and cruell ſmarts
till one blow ſent from heaunly face prou'd darts
enough to make thoſe deem'd=ſweets bitter proue,
One shaft did force my best strength to remoue,
and armies brought of thoughts, wch thought imparts,
one shaft ſoe spent may conquer courts of harts
one shott butt dubly ſent my sprite did moue:
Tow sparckling eyes were gainers of my loſs
while loue=begetting lips theyr gaine did croſs,
and chaleng'd haulf of my hart=master'd priſe,
Itt humbly did confeſs they wan the field,
yett equall was theyr force, ſoe did itt yeeld
equally still to ſerue thoſe lips, and eyes; s̸
s̸
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Sonnet 13 9 ('Of did I wonder')
Oft did I wounder why the sweets of love
Were counted pains, sharp wounds, and cruel smarts,
Till one blow sent from heavenly face proved darts
Enough to make those deemed sweets bitter prove.
One shaft* did force my best strength to remove,
And armies brought of thoughts, which thought imparts,
One shaft so spent may conquer courts of hearts,
One shot but doubly sent my spirit* did move.
Two sparkling eyes were gainers of my loss,
While love-begetting lips their gain did cross,
And challenged half of my heart-mastered prize,
It humbly did confess they won the field,
Yet equal was their force, so did it yield
Equally still to serve those lips, and eyes.
This sonnet is only in the Folger manuscript [F].
One shaft: that is, an arrow from Cupid's bow.
spirit: Wroth writes 'sprite' as she does in most instances for spirit.
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.1.
A sheapherd who noe care did take
of aught butt of his flock
whoſe thoughts noe pride cowld higher make
then to maintaine his stock,
Whoſe sheepe his loue was, and his care
theyr good his best delight,
the lambs his ioye, theyr sport his fare,
his pleaſure was theyr ſight,
2.
Till loue, an enuier of mans blis
did turne this merry lyfe
to cares, to wishes wch ne're miſs
incombrances wth strife,
for wheras hee was best content
wth looking on his sheepe
his time in woes must now bee spent,
and broken is his sleepe;
3.
Thus first his woefull chang began
a lambe hee chanc'd to miſs
wch to find out about hee ran
yett finds nott wher itt is,
Butt as hee past O! fate vnkind
his ill lead him that way
wheras a willow tree behind
a faire young mayden lay;
4.
Her bed was on the humble ground
her hed vpon her hand
While ſighs did show her hart was bound
in lou's fast tying band,
clear tears her cleerest eyes lett fall
vpon her loue borne face
wch heaunly drops did ſorrow call
prowd wittnes of diſgrace;
5.
The sheapherd stayd, and fed his eyes
nor furder might hee pas
but ther his freedome to ſight ties
his bondage his ioye was,
His lambe hee deems nott haulf ſoe faire
though itt were very white,
and liberty hee thinks a care
nor breathes butt in her ſight;
6.
His former lyfe is alterd quite
his sheep feed in her eyes
her face his field is of delight,
and flocks hee doth dispiſe;
The rule of them hee leaues to none
his ſcrip hee threw away,
and many hee forſakes for one
one hee must now obay:
7.
Vnhapy man whoſe looſing found
what better had bin lost
whoſe gaine doth spring from ſuch a grownd
wherby hee must bee crost,
The worldly cares hee now neglects
for Cupids ſeruice ties
care only to his fond respects
wher wauelike treaſure lies,
8.
As this lost man still gazing stood
amaſed att ſuch light
imagining noe heaunly food
to feed on butt her ſight
wishing her bright beams to behold
yett grieud hee for her griefe
when mournfully she did vnfolde
her woes wthout reliefe
9.
His new ſun roſe, and riſing ſayd
farwell faire willow tree
the triumph of my state decayd
the fruit for haples mee,
What though thy branch a ſigne be made
of labor lost in loue:
thy beauty doth noe ſooner vade
then thoſe best fortunes moue;
10.
My ſongs shall end wt willow still
thy branches I will weare
thou wilt accompany my ill,
and wt mee ſorrow beare,
true freind ſayd she, then ſigh'd, and turn'd
leauing that restles place,
and sheapheard who in paſsion burn'd
lamenting his ſad caſe;
11.
The mayd thus gon, alone he left,
still on her steps he gaz'd,
and hartles growne by loue bereft
of mirth, in spiritt rayſd,
to ſatiſfy his toyling thought
hee after her will hy,
his ruin to bee ſurer bought,
and ſooner harme to try,
12.
Then thus his latest leaue hee tooke
my sheepe ſayd hee farwell,
lett ſom new sheapherd to you looke
whoſe care may mine excell,
I leaue you to your freedome now
loues lawes ſoe fast mee bind
as noe time I can you allow;
Or goe poore flock, and find
13
The mayd whom I ſoe deerly loue
ſay itt was her deere ſight
wch from your keepe doth me remoue,
and kills my first delight,
goe you my dog who carefull were
to guard my flock from harme,
looke to them still noe care forbear
though loue my ſences charme;
14.
Butt you my pipe yt muſique gaue,
and pleaſd my ſilent rest
of you I company will craue
our states now ſuteth best,
for if that faire noe pitty giue
my dying breath shall cry
through thee the paines wherin I liue
wherby I breathe to dy;
15.
Madly hee ran from eaſe to paine
nott ſick butt far from well
hart rob'd by tow faire eyes, his gaine
must proue his earthly hell,
After his hart hee fast doth hy,
his hart to her did fly,
and for a byding place did cry,
wthin her brest to ly;
16.
She that refuſ'd; When hee her spide
her whom hee held most deere
ly weeping by a riuer ſide
beholding papers neere
Her ruling eyes yett must bee dimd
while pearlike tears she shed
like shadowes on a picture limd,
att last thes words she read
17.
When I vnconstant am to thee
or faulse doe euer proue
lett hapines bee banisht mee
nor haue least taste of loue;
Butt this too ſoone alas cride she
is (ô)[transcription note: are the brackets needed?] by thee forgott
my hopes, and ioys now murderd bee,
and faulshood is my lott;
18.
Too late I find what t'is to trust.
to words, or othes, or tears,
ſince they that vſe them proue vniust,
and couler butt owr fears
poore fooles ordain'd to bee deceau'd;
and trust to bee betraide,
ſcornd when owr harts ar vs bereau'd
ſought to, awhile delay'd;
19.
Yett though that thou ſoe faulse haue bin,
I still will faithfull bee,
and though thou think'st to chang, noe ſin
Ile make my loyalty
to shine ſoe cleere as thy foule fault
to all men shalbee knowne
thy chang to thy changd hart bee brought
my faith abroad bee blowne
20.
This hauing ſayd againe she roſe
the papers putting by,
and once againe a new way choſe
striuing from griefe to fly,
Butt as she going was along
that pleaſant runing streame
she ſaw the ſallow trees amonge
the sheapherd Aradeame,
21.
For ſoe this woefull lad was call'de,
but when she him beheld,
What wichcraft hath thee now inthralld,
and brought thee to this field;
What can the cauſe or reaſon bee
that thou art hether come
wher all must taste of miſery,
and mirth wth griefe intombe;
22.
Iff mirthe must heere intombed bee
faire sheapherdes ſayd hee
this place the fittest is for mee
if you v | |
