Sonnet XV. Since the first look that led me to this error

Samuel Daniel (1562–1619)

SINCE the first look that led me to this error,

To this thoughts’ maze to my confusion tending;

Still have I lived in grief, in hope, in terror;

The circle of my sorrows never ending.

Yet cannot have her love, that holds me hateful;

Her eyes exact it, though her heart disdains me.

See what reward he hath that serves th’ungrateful?

So long and pure a faith no favour gains me.

Still must I whet my young desires abated,

Upon the flint of such a heart rebelling:

And all in vain; her pride is so imated,

She yields no place at all for PITY’s dwelling.

Oft have I told her that my soul did love her,

And that with tears: yet all this will not move her.