Sonnet XLI. Imperious loue who in the prime of youth

Thomas Watson (1555–1592)

IMPERIOUS loue who in the prime of youth,

I light esteemed as an idle toy:

Though late thy fierie dart hath causd my ruth,

And turned sweet happines to dark annoy.

VVhy hast thou pleasure in my harts deepe groning,

And dost not rew and pittie my vexations?

VVhy hast thou ioy at my laments and moning,

And art not moued at my imprecations?

VVhy hast thou stroke my hart with swift desire,

And perst my Ladies eies with fell disdaine?

VVhy hath fond fancie set my thoughts on fire,

And pent my hart in prison of sad paine?

VVhy am I drownd in dolors neuer ceasing,

My ioies still fading, and my woes increasing.