XVIII.
[Loue is a sowr delight; a sugred greefe]
This sonnet is perfectly patheticall, and consisteth in
two principall pointes: wherof the first cōteyneth
an accusatiō of Loue for his hurtfull effects & vsuall
tyrannie; the second part is a sudden recantation
or excuse of the Authors euill words, by castinge
the same vpon the necke of his beloued, as
being the onely cause of his late frenzy and blaspheamous
rage so lauishly powred forth in fowle
speaches.
Loue is a sowr delight; a sugred greefe;
A liuinge death; an euerdying life;
A breache of Reasons lawe; a secret theefe;
A sea of teares; an euerlasting strife;
A kayte for fooles; a scourge of noble witts;
A Deadly wound; a shotte which euer hitts,
Loue is a blinded God; an angry boye;
A Labyrinth of dowbts; an ydle lust;
A slaue to Beawties will; a witles toy;
A rauening bird; a tyraunt most vniust;
A burning heate; A cold; a flattringe foe;
A priuate hell; a very world of woe.
Yet mightie Loue regard not what I saye,
Which lye in traunce bereft of all my witts,
But blame the light that leades me thus astraye,
And makes my tongue blaspheme by frantike fitts:
Yet hurt her not, lest I susteyne the smart,
which am content to lodge her in my heart.
