Sonnet XVIII. “I cannot conquer and be conquerèd!”

William Percy (1575–1648)

“I CANNOT conquer and be conquerèd!”

Then whole myself I yield unto thy favour!

Behold my thoughts float in an ocean, battered;

To be cast off, or wafted to thine harbour!

If of the fame, thou wilt then take acceptance,

Stretch out thy fairest hand, as flag of peace!

If not, no longer keep us in attendance;

But all at once thy fiery shafts release!

If thus I die, an honest cause of love

Will of my fates the rigour mitigate;

Those gracious ey’n, which will a Tartar move,

Will prove my case the less unfortunate.

Although my friends may rue my chance for aye,

It will be said, “He died for CŒLIA!”