Sonnet XXV. I wage the combat with two mighty foes

Thomas Lodge (1558–1625)

I WAGE the combat with two mighty foes,

Which are more strong than I ten thousand fold;

The one is when thy pleasure I do lose,

The other, when thy person I behold.

In seeing thee a swarm of loves confound me

And cause my death in spite of my resist,

And if I see thee not, thy want doth wound me,

For in thy sight my comfort doth consist.

The one in me continual care createth,

The other doth occasion my desire;

The one the edge of all my joy rebateth,

The other makes me a phœnix in love’s fire.

So that I grieve when I enjoy your presence,

And die for grief by reason of your absence.