Sonnet 39. Some, when in rhyme, they of their loves do tell

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

[First printed in 1594 (No. 18), and in all later editions.]

SOME, when in rhyme, they of their loves do tell;

With flames and lightnings their exordiums paint.

Some call on heaven, some invocate on hell,

And Fates and Furies, with their woes acquaint.

Elizium is too high a seat for me.

I will not come in Styx or Phlegethon.

The thrice-three Muses but too wanton be.

Like they that lust, I care not, I will none!

Spiteful ERINNYS frights me with her looks,

My manhood dares not, with foul ATE mell.

I quake to look on HECATE’s charming books.

I still fear bugbears in APOLLO’s cell.

I pass not for MINERVA! nor ASTREA!

Only I call on my divine IDEA!