| Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904. | | | | Sonnets after Astrophel, etc. | | Sonnet III. The only bird alone that Nature frames | | Samuel Daniel (1562–1619) |
| | [Not reprinted in Delia, Daniel’s authorised collection, 1592–4.] |
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THE ONLY bird alone that Nature frames, | |
| When weary of the tedious life she lives | |
| By fire dies, yet finds new life in flames; | |
| Her ashes to her shape new essence give. | |
| When only I, the only wretched wight, | 5 |
| Weary of life that breathes but sorrow’s blasts; | |
| Pursue the flame of such a beauty bright, | |
| That burns my heart; and yet my life still lasts. | |
| O sovereign light! that with thy sacred flame | |
| Consumes my life, revive me after this! | 10 |
| And make me (with the happy bird) the same | |
| That dies to live, by favour of thy bliss! | |
| This deed of thine will show a goddess’ power; | |
| In so long death to grant one living hour. | | | |
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