Sonnet 50. As in some countries, far remote from hence

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

[First printed in 1605 (No. 50), and in all later editions.]

AS in some countries, far remote from hence,

The wretched creature destinèd to die;

Having the judgement due to his offence,

By Surgeons begged, their Art on him to try:

Which on the living, work without remorse,

First make incision on each mastering vein,

Then staunch the bleeding, then transpierce the corse,

And with their balms recure the wounds again.

Then poison, and with physic him restore;

Not that they fear the hopeless man to kill,

But their experience to increase the more.

Even so my Mistress works upon my ill,

By curing me and killing me each hour,

Only to shew her Beauty’s sovereign power.