Sonnet XLIII. Now in my Zodiac’s last extremest sign

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

NOW in my Zodiac’s last extremest sign,

My luckless sun, his hapless Mansion made;

And in the water, willing more to wade,

To Pisces did his chariot wheels incline:

For me (poor Fish!) he, with his golden line

Baited with beauties, all the river lade,

(For who, of such sweet baits would stand afraid?)

There nibbling for such food as made me pine,

LOVE’s Golden Hook, on me took sudden hold;

And I down swallowed that impoisoned gold.

Since then, devise what any wisher can,

Of fiercest torments! since, all joys devise!

Worse griefs, more joys did my true heart comprise!

Such, were LOVE’s baits! my crafty Fisherman.