Sonnet XLVI. When Chloris first, with her heart-robbing eye

William Smith (fl. 1596)

WHEN CHLORIS first, with her heart-robbing eye,

Enchanted had my silly senses all;

I little did respect LOVE’s cruelty:

I never thought his snares should me enthrall.

But since her tresses have entangled me,

My pining flock did never hear me sing

Those jolly notes, which erst did make them glee;

Nor do my kids about me leap and spring

As they were wont: but when they hear my cry;

They likewise cry, and fill the air with bleating.

Then do my sheep upon the cold earth lie,

And feed no more. My griefs they are repeating.

O CHLORIS, if thou then sawest them and me,

I am sure thou would’st both pity them and me!