Sonnet IV. Laya, soon sounding out his nature throughly

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

LAYA, soon sounding out his nature throughly,

Found that he was a lovely virgin Boy.

Causeless, why did thou then deal with him roughly?

Not yet content with him, sometimes, to toy;

But jealously kept, lest he should run from thee!

Whom if thou kindly meant to love, ’twas needless!

Doubtless lest that he should run back to me!

If of him, any deal thou didst stand heedless.

Thou coop’st him in thy closet’s secret corners;

And then, thy heart’s dear playfellow didst make him!

Whom thou in person guardest! (lest suborners

Should work his freelege, or in secret take him)

And to this instant, never would forsake him!

Since for soft service, slavish bonds be changed!

Why didst thou, from thy jealous master range?