Sonnet LIII. I was a King of sweet Content at least

Bartholomew Griffin (d. 1602)

I WAS a King of sweet Content at least;

But now from out my Kingdom banished!

I was chief guest at fair Dame Pleasure’s feast;

But now I am for want of succour famished!

I was a saint, and heaven was my rest;

But now cast down into the lowest hell!

Vile caitiffs may not live among the blest!

Nor blessed men, amongst cursed caitiffs dwell!

Thus am I made an exile, of a King.

Thus choice of meats, to want of food is changed,

Thus heaven’s loss doth hellish torments bring.

Self crosses make me from myself estranged.

Yet am I still the same, but made another!

Then not the same! Alas, I am no other!