University of Virginia Library



Sonnet. 53.

[In Clownes she shines and so obscurely shineth]

In Clownes she shines and so obscurely shineth,
That like a mastles shipe ot seas I wander:
For want of her to guide my hart that pineth,
Yet can I not intreat ne yet command her.
So am I tied in Laborinths of fancy,
In darke and obscure Laborinths of loue:
That euerie one may plaine behold that can see,
How I am fetterd and what paines I proue.
The Lampe whose light should lead my ship about,
Is placed vpon my Mistris heauenlie face:
Her hand doth hold the clew must lead me out,
And free my hart from thraldomes lothed place.
But cleane to lead me out or Lampe to light me,
She scornefullie denide the more to spight me.