Mary Wroth

Sonnet - Eyes, can you tell me

Eyes, can you tell me where my heart remains?

Have you not seen it in those lovely eyes,

With pride show you the place it there retains,

And baby-like still pass time as it lies?

 

Or can you in that blessed breast surprise

The run-away when it new triumph gains

To lodge where greatest hearts for mercy cries?

Have you not seen it there joy at their pains?

 

If neither, where? Where lives it? Where abides

This careless sprite who from me closely slides,

and heartless leaves me? O, alas, I know:

 

It is petitioning for pity's place

Where love hath purest and still during grace;

Thus while I thought it soared, it creeps below.