SONNET.

Actaeon lost, in middle of his sport,

Both shape and life for looking but awry:

Diana was afraid he would report

What secrets he had seen in passing by.

To tell the truth, the self-same hurt have I,

By viewing her for whom I daily die;

I lose my wonted shape, in that my mind

Doth suffer wreck upon the stony rock

Of her disdain, who, contrary to kind,

Does bear a breast more hard than any stock;

And former form of limbs is changed quite

By cares in love, and want of due delight.

I leave my life, in that each secret thought

Which I conceive through wanton fond regard,

Doth make me say that life availeth nought,

Where service cannot have a due reward.

I dare not name the nymph that works my smart,

Though love hath graven her name within my heart.

Specimens with Memoirs of the Less-known British Poets, Volume 1 · 第 122 / 326 题