Sonnet XXIX. I feel myself endangered beyond reason

Thomas Lodge (1558–1625)

I FEEL myself endangered beyond reason,

My death already ’twixt the cup and lip,

Because my proud desire through cursèd treason

Would make my hopes mount heaven, which cannot skip;

My fancy still requireth at my hands

Such things as are not, cannot, may not be,

And my desire although my power withstands

Will give me wings, who never yet could flee.

What then remains except my maimed soul

Extort compassion from love-flying age,

Or if naught else their fury may control,

To call on death that quells affection’s rage;

Which death shall dwell with me and never fly,

Since vain desire seeks that hope doth deny.