Elegy IV. This day, sweet Mistress! you to me, did write

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

THIS day, sweet Mistress! you to me, did write

(When for so many lines, I begged replyal),

That “From all hope, you would not bar me quite!

Nor grant plain Placet! nor give dead denial!”

But in my chamber window, while I read it,

A waspish bee flew round about me buzzing

With full-filled flanks, when my Time’s flower had fed it,

(Which there lay strewed); and in my neck, with huzzing,

She fixed her sting! Then did I take her out;

And in my window left her, where she died.

My neck still smarts, and swelleth round about;

By which her wrath’s dear ransom may be tried.

A mirror to thee, Lady! which I send

In this small schoede, with commendations tied;

Who, though the sting and anguish stay with me,

Yet for revenge, saw his unlucky end.

Then note th’ example of this hapless bee!

And when to me, thou dost thy sting intend;

Fear some such punishment should chance to thee!