Sinetes (1597) :: :: University of Virginia Library

Repyning fretts and sturs the angrie minde,
That patience (which is the nursing foode,)
In such extreames, can no disgestion finde;
No more then meate encreaseth sick-mens blood:
The one by course to choller altereth faste,
The other turn'd to excrements doth waste.

Who so by art would cure infected mindes,
Must mildely first prepare the sickly thought,
When faulkner good a sorrie feather findes.
He first beginns to pare and prune the naught:
And better graffes; then keepes his hauke on fiste,
My troubled minde of such a salue hath miste.

For first we should learne to forget the cause,
Before a salue may be thereto applyed,
Then may the gulfe which waytes with open iawes;
For to deuoure therewith be satisfied:
And this obseru'd roote perisheth in time,
Which fed the cause the subiects of my rime.

Who hath such strength to moderate extreames,
That without change his countenance may beare,
When that doth perish which he well esteemes;
Which sodenly procures a dreadfull feare:
No heart so hard for to endure the same,
Who then is he that can my weaknes blame.