Sonnet IV. Long hath my sufferance laboured to enforce

Thomas Lodge (1558–1625)

LONG hath my sufferance laboured to enforce

One pearl of pity from her pretty eyes,

Whilst I with restless rivers of remorse,

Have bathed the banks where my fair Phillis lies.

The moaning lines which weeping I have written,

And writing read unto my ruthful sheep,

And reading sent with tears that never fitten,

To my love’s queen, that hath my heart in keep,

Have made my lambkins lay them down and sigh;

But Phillis sits, and reads, and calls them trifles.

Oh heavens, why climb not happy lines so high,

To rent that ruthless heart that all hearts rifles!

None writes with truer faith, or greater love;

Yet out, alas! I have no power to move.