Herbert J.C. Grierson, ed. (1886–1960). Metaphysical Lyrics & Poems of the 17th C. 1921.

1592–1669 Henry King

Sonnet

TELL me no more how fair she is,

I have no minde to hear

The story of that distant bliss

I never shall come near:

By sad experience I have found

That her perfection is my wound.

And tell me not how fond I am

To tempt a daring Fate,

From whence no triumph ever came,

But to repent too late:

There is some hope ere long I may

In silence dote my self away.

I ask no pity (Love) from thee,

Nor will thy justice blame,

So that thou wilt not envy mee

The glory of my flame:

Which crowns my heart when ere it dyes,

In that it falls her sacrifice.