The Second Decade. Sonnet IV. Lady! in beauty and in favour rare

Henry Constable (1562–1613)

LADY! in beauty and in favour rare,

Of favour, not of due, I favour crave.

Nature to thee beauty and favour gave;

Fair then thou art, and favour thou may’st spare!

Nor when on me bestowed your favours are,

Less favour in your face you shall not have:

If favour then a wounded soul may save;

Of murder’s guilt, dear Lady, then beware!

My loss of life a million fold were less,

Than the least loss should unto you befall:

Yet grant this gift! which gift when I possess,

Both I have life, and you no loss at all.

For by your favour only I do live;

And favour you may well both keep and give.