Canzon 20. How often hath my pen (mine heart’s Solicitor!)

Anonymous

HOW often hath my pen (mine heart’s Solicitor!)

Instructed thee in Breviat of my case!

While Fancy-pleading eyes (thy beauty’s Visitor!)

Have patterned to my quill, an angel’s face.

How have my Sonnets (faithful Counsellors!)

Thee, without ceasing moved for Day of Hearing!

While they, my Plaintive Cause (my faith’s Revealers!)

Thy long delay, my patience, in thine ear ring.

How have I stood at bar of thine own conscience;

When in Requesting Court my suit I brought!

How have thy long adjournments slowed the sentence,

Which I (through much expense of tears) besought!

Through many difficulties have I run,

Ah, sooner wert thou lost, I wis, than won!