The Third Decade. Sonnet I. Uncivil Sickness! hast thou no regard!

Henry Constable (1562–1613)

UNCIVIL Sickness! hast thou no regard!

But dost presume my Dearest to molest!

And without leave, dar’st enter in that breast,

Whereto sweet Love approach yet never dared?

Spare thou her health! which my life hath not spared.

Too bitter such revenge of my unrest.

Although with wrongs, my thought she hath opprest;

My wrongs seek not revenge, they crave reward.

Cease Sickness! Cease in her then to remain!

And come, and welcome! Harbour thou in me!

Whom love long since hath taught to suffer pain.

So she which hath so oft my pain increased

(O God, that I might so revengèd be),

By my poor pain, might have her pain released.