Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.
Sonnets after Astrophel, etc.Sonnet I. If so it hap the offspring of my care
Samuel Daniel (1562–1619)I
These fatal anthems and afflicted songs,
Come to their view, who like to me do fare;
May move them sigh thereat, and moan my wrongs.
But untouched hearts! with unaffected eye,
Approach not to behold my soul’s distress!
Clearsighted, you will note what is awry,
Whilst blind ones see no error in my verse.
You blinded souls! whom hap and error lead.
You outcast eaglets dazzled with the sun!
Ah you, and none but you, my sorrow read!
You best can judge the wrong that she hath done:
That she hath done, the motive of my pain;
Who whilst I love, doth kill me with disdain.