Sonnet II. Whiles, with strong chains of hardy tempered steel

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

WHILES, with strong chains of hardy tempered steel,

I bound my thoughts, still gadding fast and faster;

When they, through time, the diff’rences did feel,

Betwixt a Mistress’ service and a Master.

Keeping in bondage, jealously enthralled,

In prisons of neglect, his nature’s mildness;

Him, I with solitary studies walled,

By thraldom, choking his outrageous wildness.

On whom, my careful thoughts I set to watch,

Guarding him closely, lest he should out issue

To seek thee, LAYA! who still wrought to catch

And train my tender boy, that could not miss you

(So you bewitched him once! when he did kiss you),

That, by such slights as never were found out,

To serve your turn, he daily went about.