Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.
FidessaSonnet XXXIII. He that would fain Fidessa’s image see
Bartholomew Griffin (d. 1602)H
My face, of force, may be his looking-glass!
There is she portrayed, and her cruelty!
Which as a wonder, through the world must pass.
But were I dead, she would not be betrayed.
It’s I, that ’gainst my will, shall make it known!
Her cruelty by me, must be bewrayed:
Or I must hide my head, and live alone.
I’ll pluck my silver hairs from out my head,
And wash away the wrinkles of my face!
Closely immured I’ll live, as I were dead,
Before She suffer but the least disgrace!
How can I hide that is already known?
I have been seen, and have no face but one!