104 SONGS AND SONNETS A FOREBODING AGAINST that time, if ever that time come, When I shall see thee frown on my defects, When-as thy love hath cast his utmost sum, Call'd to that audit by advised respects; Against that time when thou shalt strangely pass Against that time do I ensconce me here To guard the lawful reasons on thy part : To leave poor me thou hast the strength of laws, Since why to love I can allege no cause. OF SHAKESPEARE 105 VIA DOLOROSA HOW heavy do I journey on the way When what I seek, my weary travel's end, Doth teach that ease and that repose to say 'Thus far the miles are measured from thy friend!' The beast that bears me, tired with my woe, As if by some instinct the wretch did know The bloody spur cannot provoke him on For that same groan doth put this in my mind; My grief lies onward, and my joy behind. 106 SONGS AND SONNETS THE RETURN HUS can my love excuse the slow offence THUS Of my dull bearer when from thee I speed : From where thou art why should I haste me thence ? Till I return, of posting is no need. O, what excuse will my poor beast then find, Then can no horse with my desire keep pace; Since from thee going he went wilful-slow, Towards thee I'll run, and give him leave to go. CARUM QUOD RARUM am I as the rich, whose blesséd key So ar Can bring him to his sweet up-lockéd treasure, The which he will not every hour survey, For blunting the fine point of seldom pleasure. Therefore are feasts so seldom and so rare, So is the time that keeps you as my chest, Blessed are you, whose worthiness gives scope, Being had, to triumph, being lack'd, to hope. 108 SONGS AND SONNETS REALITY AND SHADOW WHAT is your substance? whereof are you made, That millions of strange shadows on you tend? Describe Adonis, and the counterfeit On Helen's cheek all art of beauty set, Speak of the spring and foison of the year; In all external grace you have some part, |