Sonnet 46. Plain pathed Experience (th’ unlearned’s guide)

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

[First printed in 1605 (No. 46), and in all later editions.]

PLAIN pathed Experience (th’ unlearned’s guide),

Her simple followers evidently shews

Sometimes what Schoolmen scarcely can decide,

Nor yet wise Reason absolutely knows.

In making trial of a murder wrought,

If the vile actors of the heinous deed

Near the dead body happily be brought,

Oft ’t hath been proved, the breathless corse will bleed.

She coming near, that my poor heart hath slain,

Long since departed (to the World no more),

Th’ ancient wounds no longer can contain,

But fall to bleeding, as they did before.

But what of this! Should She to death be led,

It furthers Justice; but helps not the dead!