Sonnet XX. First did I fear, when first my love began

Giles Fletcher (1586?–1623)

FIRST did I fear, when first my love began;

Possessed in fits by watchful jealousy,

I sought to keep what I by favour wan,

And brooked no partner in my love to be.

But tyrant Sickness fed upon my Love,

And spread his ensigns dyed with colour white;

Then was Suspicion glad for to remove;

And loving much did fear to lose her quite.

Erect, fair Sweet, the colours thou didst wear!

Dislodge thy griefs, the short’ners of content!

For now of life, not love, is all my fear:

Lest life and love be both together spent.

Live but, fair Love, and banish thy disease!

And love, kind Heart, both when, and whom, thou please!