Sonnet XLIV. How long shall I, in mine affliction mourn?

Samuel Daniel (1562–1619)

HOW long shall I, in mine affliction mourn?

A burden to myself, distressed in mind;

When shall my interdicted hopes return

From out despair, wherein they live confined?

When shall her troubled brow, charged with disdain,

Reveal the treasure which her smiles impart?

When shall my faith that happiness attain,

To break the ice, that hath congealed her heart?

Unto herself, herself my love doth summon,

(If love in her, hath any power to move):

And let her tell me, as she is a woman,

Whether my faith hath not deserved her love?

I know she cannot! but must needs confess it;

Yet deigns not, with one simple sign t’express it.