Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.
DianaThe Sixth Decade. Sonnet IX. Love have I followed all too long, nought gaining
Henry Constable (15621613)L
And sighed I have in vain to sweet what smarteth,
But from his bow a fiery arrow parteth;
Thinking that I should him resist, not plaining.
But cowardly my heart submiss remaining,
Yields to receive what shaft thy fair eye darteth!
Well do I see, thine eye my bale imparteth;
And that save death, no hope I am detaining.
For what is he can alter fortune’s sliding?
One in his bed consumes his life away,
Other in wars, another in the sea:
The like effects in me have their abiding;
For heavens avowed my fortune should be such,
That I should die by loving far too much.