Sonnet XXIV. Still let me liue forlorne and die disdained

Thomas Watson (1555–1592)

STILL let me liue forlorne and die disdained,

My hart consenting to continuall languish:

If loue (my harts sore) may not be obtained,

But with the danger of my Ladies anguish.

Let me oppose my selfe gainst sorrowes force,

And arme my hart to beare woes heauy load:

Vnpittied let me die without remorce,

Rather than monster fame shall blase abroad;

That I was causer of her woes induring,

Or brought faire beauty to so fowle a domage:

If life or death might be her ioyes procuring,

Both life, loue, death, and all should doe her homage.

But shee liues safe in freedomes liberty,

I liue and die in loues extremitie.