When that I call unto my mind The time of hope that once I had, The great abuse that did me blind Doth force me always to be sad. Yet of my grief I feign me glad; But am assured I was too bold To trust to such a slipper hold. I thought it well that I had wrought, Willing forthwith so to ensue; But he that seeks as I have sought Shall find most trust oft times untrue; For least I recked that most I rue, Of that I thought myself most sure Is now the want of all my cure. Amids my wealth I did not reck, But soon, alas, ere that I wist, The time was come that, all too weak, I had no power for to resist; Now am I proof to them that list To flee such woe and wrongful pain, As in my heart I do sustain. For feigned faith is always free, And doth incline to be unjust, That sure I think there can none be Too much assured without mistrust; But hap what may to them that must Sustain such cruel destiny, With patience for remedy. As I am one which by restraint Abides the time of my return, In hope that fortune by my plaint Will slake the fire wherewith I burn; Since no ways else may serve my turn: Yet for the doubt of this distress, I ask but right for my redress. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A TRIBUTE OF GRASSES by HAMLIN GARLAND THE VIOLET by ALEXANDER ANDERSON EMBLEMS OF LOVE: 31. 'TIS YIELDING GAINS THE LOVER VICTORY by PHILIP AYRES KINGFISHER by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN THE FORCED RECRUIT AT SOLFERINO by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |