Sonnet 60. Define my Weal, and tell the joys of heaven

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

[First printed in 1594 (No. 49), and in all later editions.]

DEFINE my Weal, and tell the joys of heaven;

Express my Woes, and shew the pains of hell!

Declare what Fate unlucky stars have given!

And ask a world upon my life to dwell!

Make known the faith that Fortune could not move!

Compare my worth with others’ base desert!

Let virtue be the touchstone of my Love!

So may the heavens read wonders in my heart!

Behold the clouds which have eclipsed my sun!

And view the crosses which my course do let!

Tell me, if ever since the world begun

So fair a rising, had so foul a set?

And see, if TIME (if he would strive to prove)

Can shew a Second to so pure a Love!