Introductory: Into these Loves, who but for Passion looks

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

IDEA.
IN
SIXTY-THREE
SONNETS.
BY
MICHAEL DRAYTON,
ESQUIRE.

LONDON,
Printed for JOHN SMETHWICK.
1619.

Drayton’s Idea Sonnets appeared in four distinct editions, the contents of each of which varied considerably, before the fifth and final edition of 1619, which is printed here, and contains in all sixty-four sonnets. Eighteen of the sonnets in the present collection appeared originally in the first edition of 1594, twenty-one in the second edition of 1599, eight in the third edition of 1602 (reprinted in 1603), seven in the edition of 1605 (reprinted three times, in 1608, 1610, and 1613). Ten sonnets only were printed in the 1619 edition for the first time. The edition in which each sonnet first saw the light is duly indicated in this reprint.

To the Reader of these Sonnets.

[First printed in 1599 (No. 2), and in all later editions.]

INTO these Loves, who but for Passion looks;

At this first sight, here let him lay them by!

And seek elsewhere in turning other books,

Which better may his labour satisfy.

No far-fetched Sigh shall ever wound my breast!

Love from mine eye, a Tear shall never wring!

No “Ah me!”s my whining sonnets drest!

A Libertine! fantasticly I sing!

My Verse is the true image of my Mind,

Ever in motion, still desiring change:

And as thus, to variety inclined;

So in all humours sportively I range!

My Muse is rightly of the English strain,

That cannot long one fashion entertain.

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