Sonnet XX. Receive these writs, my sweet and dearest Friend!

William Percy (1575–1648)

RECEIVE these writs, my sweet and dearest Friend!

The lively patterns of my lifeless body;

Where thou shalt find in ebon pictures penned,

How I was meek, but thou extremely bloody!

I’ll walk forlorn along the willow shades,

Alone, complaining of a ruthless Dame:

Where’er I pass, the rocks, the hills, the glades,

In piteous yells shall sound her cruel name!

There will I wail the lot that Fortune sent me,

And make my moans unto the savage ears!

The remnant of the days which Nature lent me;

I’ll spend them all, concealed, in ceaseless tears!

Since unkind Fates permit me not t’enjoy her;

No more, burst eyes! I mean for to annoy her!

F I N I S.