Sonnet 31 - After long trouble in a tedious way

After long trouble in a tedious way

Of love's unrest, laid down to ease my pain,

Hoping for rest, new torments I did gain

Possessing me as if I ought t'obey:

When Fortune came, though blinded, yet did stay,

And in her blessed arms did me enchain;

I, cold with grief, thought no warmth to obtain

Or to dissolve that ice of joy's decay;

Till, 'Rise,' said she, 'Venus to thee doth send

By me, the servant of true lovers, joy:

Banish all clouds of doubt, all fears destroy,

And now on Fortune, and on Love, depend.'

I her obeyed, and rising felt that love

Indeed was best, when I did least it move.