Robert Sidney

Sonnet 2. The pains which I uncessantly sustain

The pains which I uncessantly sustain,
Burning in hottest flames of love most pure,
Are joys, not griefs, since each of them are sure
Witness that faith, not will, in me doth reign.

Vain may their hopes all prove, their joys more vain,
Whom sense of pleasure doth to love allure:
Blest in my bands, rather may I endure
For you, that toiled with joys love elsewhere gain.

Heavenly your beauties are, and may there be
Mutual bands to tie earth to the skies?
You I adore, and should I hope to see
One fire embrace both saint and sacrifice?

No no, most fain, for you I end and cry
‘Joyful I lived to you, joyful I die.’