The Works of Edmund Spenser A Variorum Edition: Edited by Edwin Greenlaw: Charles Grosvenor Osgood: Frederick Morgan Padelford: Ray Heffner |
 | 1. |
 |
|
| 2. |
| 3, 4, 5, 6. |
 | The Works of Edmund Spenser |  |
SONNET. XXV.
[How long shall this lyke dying lyfe endure]
How long shall this lyke dying lyfe endure,And know no end of her owne mysery:
but wast and weare away in termes vnsure,
twixt feare and hope depending doubtfully?
Yet better were attonce to let me die,
and shew the last ensample of your pride:
then to torment me thus with cruelty,
to proue your powre, which I too wel haue tride.
But yet if in your hardned brest ye hide
a close intent at last to shew me grace:
then all the woes and wrecks which I abide,
as meanes of blisse I gladly wil embrace;
And wish that more and greater they might be,
that greater meede at last may turne to mee.
| The Works of Edmund Spenser | |