University of Virginia Library



Sonnet. LVII.

[The hunted Hart sometime doth leaue the Hound]

The hunted Hart sometime doth leaue the Hound,
My Hart alas is neuer out of chace:
The liue-hounds life sometime is yet vnbound,
My bands are hopeles of so high a grace.
For natures sickenes sometimes may haue ease,
Fortune though fickle sometime is a friend:
The minds affliction patience may appease,
And death is cause that many torments end.
Yet I am sicke, but shee that should restore me,
Withholds the sacred balme that would recure me:
And fortune eke (though many eyes deplore me)
Nill lend such chance that might to ioy procure me.
Patience wants power to appease my weeping,
And death denies what I haue long beene seeking.