Sonnet 37. Dear! why should you command me to my rest

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

[First printed in 1602 (No. 41), and in all later editions.]

DEAR! why should you command me to my rest,

When now the night doth summon all to sleep?

Methinks, this time becometh lovers best!

Night was ordained, together friends to keep.

How happy are all other living things,

Which, through the day, disjoined by several flight,

The quiet evening yet together brings,

And each returns unto his Love at night!

O thou that art so courteous else to all,

Why shouldst thou, Night! abuse me only thus!

That every creature to his kind dost call,

And yet ’tis thou dost only sever us?

Well could I wish, it would be ever day;

If, when night comes, you bid me go away!