Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET: 19, by PHILIP SIDNEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET: 19, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: If I could think how these my thoughts to leave
Last Line: Thought, reason, sense, time, you and I maintain.


If I could think how these my thoughts to leave,
Or, thinking still, my thoughts might have good end;
If rebel sense would reason's law receive,
Or reason, foiled, would not in vain contend;
Then might I think what thoughts were best to think;
Then might I wisely swim or gladly sink.

If either you would change your cruel heart,
Or, cruel still, time did your beauty stain;
If from my soul this love would once depart,
Or for my love some love I might obtain;
Then might I hope a change or ease of mind
By your good help, or in myself, to find.

But since my thoughts in thinking still are spent
With reason's strife, by senses overthrown;
You, fairer still, and still more cruel bent;
I, loving still a love that loveth none;
I yield and strive, I kiss and curse the pain
Thought, reason, sense, time, you and I maintain.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net