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Home  »  Elizabethan Sonnets  »  Sonnet III. The only bird alone that Nature frames

Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.

Sonnets after Astrophel, etc.

Sonnet III. The only bird alone that Nature frames

Samuel Daniel (1562–1619)

[Not reprinted in Delia, Daniel’s authorised collection, 1592–4.]

THE ONLY bird alone that Nature frames,

When weary of the tedious life she lives

By fire dies, yet finds new life in flames;

Her ashes to her shape new essence give.

When only I, the only wretched wight,

Weary of life that breathes but sorrow’s blasts;

Pursue the flame of such a beauty bright,

That burns my heart; and yet my life still lasts.

O sovereign light! that with thy sacred flame

Consumes my life, revive me after this!

And make me (with the happy bird) the same

That dies to live, by favour of thy bliss!

This deed of thine will show a goddess’ power;

In so long death to grant one living hour.