Sonnet XXIV. Striving is past! Ah, I must sink and drown

Bartholomew Griffin (d. 1602)

STRIVING is past! Ah, I must sink and drown,

And that in sight of long descrièd shore!

I cannot send for aid unto the town!

All help is vain, and I must die therefore.

Then poor distressèd caitiff, be resolved

To leave this earthly dwelling fraught with care!

Cease will, thy woes! Thy corpse in earth involved,

Thou diest for her that will no help prepare.

O see, my case, herself doth now behold!

The casement open is! She seems to speak!

But She is gone! O then I dare be bold

And needs must say, “She caused my heart to break!”

I die before I drown, O heavy case!

It was because I saw my Mistress’s face.