dots-menu
×

Home  »  The Poetical Works by Sir Thomas Wyatt  »  Of others’ feigned Sorrow, and the Lover’s feigned Mirth

Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503–42). The Poetical Works. 1880.

Songs and Sonnets

Of others’ feigned Sorrow, and the Lover’s feigned Mirth

CÆSAR, when that the traitor of Egypt

With the honourable head did him present,

Covering his heart’s gladness, did represent

Plaint with his tears outward, as it is writ.

Eke Hannibal, when fortune him outshut

Clean from his reign, and from all his intent,

Laugh’d to his folk, whom sorrow did torment;

His cruel despite for to disgorge and quit.

So chanced me, that every passion

The mind hideth by colour contrary,

With feigned visage, now sad, now merry;

Whereby if that I laugh at any season,

It is because I have none other way

To cloke my care, but under sport and play.