University of Virginia Library



Sonnet. 51.

[Each tree did boast the wished spring times pride]

Each tree did boast the wished spring times pride,
when solitarie in the vale of loue:
I hid my selfe so from the world to hide,
The vncouth passions which my hart did proue.
No tree whose branches did not brauelie spring,
No branch whereon a fine bird did not sit:
No bird but did her shrill notes sweetelie sing,
No song but did containe a louelie dit.
Trees, branches, birds, and songs were framed faire,
Fit to allure fraile minde to careles ease:
But carefull was my thoughts yet in dispaire,
I dwelt for brittle hope me cannot please.
For when I view my loues faire eies reflecting,
I entertaine dispaire, vaine hope reiecting.