Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.
FidessaSonnet I. Fidessa fair! long live a happy maiden!
Bartholomew Griffin (d. 1602)Fertur Fortunam Fortuna favere ferenti.
F
Blest from thy cradle, by a worthy Mother,
High-thoughted, like to her, with bounty laden,
Like pleasing grace affording, one and other.
Sweet model of thy far renownèd Sire!
Hold back a while thy ever-giving hand!
And though these free penned lines do nought require
(For that they scorn at base Reward to stand),
Yet crave they most, for that they beg the least!
Dumb is the message of my hidden grief,
And store of Speech by silence is increased;
O let me die, or purchase some relief!
Bounteous F
As for to make my heart, her Fancy’s fuel!