Sonnet 5. Nothing but “No!” and “I!”, and “I!” and “No!”

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

[First printed in 1599 (No. 8), and in all later editions.]

NOTHING but “No!” and “I!”, and “I!” and “No!”.

“How falls it out so strangely?” you reply.

I tell ye, Fair! I’ll not be answered so!

With this affirming “No!”, denying “I!”.

I say “I love!” You slightly answer “I!”.

I say “You love!” You pule me out a “No!”.

I say “I die!” You echo me with “I!”.

“Save me!” I cry; and sigh me out a “No!”.

Must Woe and I have naught but “No!” and “I!”?

No “I!” am I, if I no more can have.

Answer no more! With silence make reply,

And let me take myself what I do crave!

Let “No!” and “I!” with I and you be so,

Then answer “No!” and “I!”, and “I!” and “No!”.