Sonnet XIV. When silent sleep had closèd up mine eyes

Bartholomew Griffin (d. 1602)

WHEN silent sleep had closèd up mine eyes,

My watchful mind did then begin to muse;

A thousand pleasing thoughts did then arise,

That sought by slights, their master to abuse.

I saw (O heavenly sight!) FIDESSA’s face,

And fair dame Nature blushing to behold it!

Now did She laugh! now wink! now smile apace!

She took me by the hand, and fast did hold it!

Sweetly her sweet body did She lay down by me,

“Alas, poor wretch,” quoth She, “great is thy sorrow!

But thou shall comfort find, if thou wilt try me!

I hope, sir boy! you’ll tell me news to-morrow!”

With that, away She went! and I did wake withal:

When, ah! my honey thoughts were turned to gall.