Sonnet LXI. Fidessa’s worth in time begetteth praise

Bartholomew Griffin (d. 1602)

FIDESSA’s worth in time begetteth praise,

Time, praise; Praise, fame; Fame, wonderment;

Wonder, fame, praise, time, her worth do raise

To highest pitch of dread astonishment.

Yet Time in time, her hardened heart bewrayeth:

And Praise itself, her cruelty dispraiseth.

So that through Praise, alas, her praise decayeth:

And that which makes it fall, her honour raiseth.

Most strange! yet true. So wonder wonder still,

And follow fast the wonder of these days!

For well I know (all wonder to fulfil)

Her will at length unto my will obeys:

Meantime, let others praise her constancy!

And me attend upon her clemency!