University of Virginia Library

Sonetto. 1.

[Reade these my lines the the carrecters of care]

Reade these my lines the the carrecters of care,
Sweete Nymph these lynes reade ou'r & ou'r againe,
View in this glasse (that glorie doth prepare,)
The depth of worthes which in thee doth remaine,
Heare I set foorth the garden of thy grace,
With plentie stor'd of choyse and sweetest flowers,
Where I for thee abortiue thoughtes embrace;
When in conceyte hope lodgeth in thy bowers.
Heare shalt thou finde the Orphans of my hope,
Shad'wed with vaile en'n of thy rare deseart,
Of all my thoughtes here shalt thou finde the scope,
Which to the worlde thy honour shalt ympart.
Thus will I say when skies aduaunce thy name,
Liue Helens peere eternized thy fame.