Sonnet 15. Since to obtain thee, nothing me will stead

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

[First printed in 1619.]

His Remedy for Love

SINCE to obtain thee, nothing me will stead,

I have a Med’cine that shall cure my Love.

The powder of her Heart dried, when she is dead,

That gold nor honour ne’er had power to move;

Mixed with her Tears that ne’er her True Love crost,

Nor, at fifteen, ne’er longed to be a bride;

Boiled with her Sighs, in giving up the ghost,

That for her late deceasèd husband died;

Into the same, then let a woman breathe,

That being chid, did never word reply;

With one thrice-married’s Prayers, that did bequeath

A legacy to stale virginity.

If this receipt have not the power to win me;

Little I’ll say, but think the Devil ’s in me!