Sonnet XXIII. My years draw on my everlasting night

Samuel Daniel (1562–1619)

[Not reprinted in Delia, Daniel’s authorised collection, 1594.]

MY years draw on my everlasting night,

And HORROR’s sable clouds dim my life’s sun;

That my life’s sun, and Thou my worldly light

Shall rise no more to me. My days are done!

I’ll go before unto the myrtle shades,

To attend the presence of my world’s dear:

And dress a bed of flowers that never fade,

And all things fit against her coming there.

If any ask, “Why that so soon I came?”

I’ll hide her fault, and say “It was my lot.”

In life and death I’ll tender her good name;

My life and death shall never be her blot.

Although the world this deed of hers may blame;

The Elysian ghosts shall never know the same.