X. And have I heard her say, “O cruel pain!”

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

AND have I heard her say, “O cruel pain!”

And doth she know what mould her beauty bears?

Mourns she, in truth; and thinks that others feign?

Fears she to feel, and feels not other’s fears?

Or doth she think all pain the mind forbears;

That heavy earth, not fiery spirits may plain?

That eyes weep worse than heart in bloody tears?

That sense feels more that what doth sense contain?

No! no! She is too wise! She knows her face

Hath not such pain, as it makes others have.

She knows the sickness of that perfect place

Hath yet such health, as it my life can save.

But this she thinks, “Our pain, high cause excuseth:

Where her who should rule pain; false pain abuseth.”