Mary Wroth

Sonnet 16 - My pain, still smothered

My pain, still smothered in my grieved breast,

Seeks for some ease, yet cannot passage find

To be discharged of this unwelcome guest;

When most I strive, more fast his burdens bind,

 

Like to a ship, on Goodwins cast by wind

The more she strives, more deep in sand is pressed

Till she bee lost; so am I, in this kind

Sunk, and devoured, and swallowed by unrest,

 

Lost, shipwrecked, spoiled, debarred of smallest hope,

Nothing of pleasure left; save thoughts have scope,

Which wander may: Go then, my thoughts, and cry

 

'Hope's perished; Love tempest-beaten; joy lost

Killing despair hath all these blessing crossed.'

Yet faith still cries, 'Love will not falsify.'