Sonnet L. A’ Licia sigh! and say, Thou art my own

Giles Fletcher (1586?–1623)

A’ LICIA sigh! and say, Thou art my own.

Nay, Be my own! as you full oft have said.

So shall your truth unto the World be known:

And I, resolved; where now I am afraid.

And if my tongue eternize can your praise,

Or silly speech increase your worthy fame;

If aught I can, to heaven your worth can raise,

The Age to come shall wonder at the same.

In this respect, your love, sweet Love, I told;

My faith and truth I vowed should be for ever.

You were the cause, if that I were too bold;

Then pardon this my fault, or love me never

But if you frown, I wish that none believe me:

For, slain with sighs, I’ll die before I’ll grieve thee.