Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.
LiciaSonnet L. A Licia sigh! and say, Thou art my own
Giles Fletcher (1586?1623)A’ L
Nay, Be my own! as you full oft have said.
So shall your truth unto the World be known:
And I, resolved; where now I am afraid.
And if my tongue eternize can your praise,
Or silly speech increase your worthy fame;
If aught I can, to heaven your worth can raise,
The Age to come shall wonder at the same.
In this respect, your love, sweet Love, I told;
My faith and truth I vowed should be for ever.
You were the cause, if that I were too bold;
Then pardon this my fault, or love me never
But if you frown, I wish that none believe me:
For, slain with sighs, I’ll die before I’ll grieve thee.