Sonnet LI. Each tree did boast the wished spring times pride

Thomas Watson (1555–1592)

EACH tree did boast the wished spring times pride,

When solitarie in the vale of loue,

I hid my selfe, so from the world to hide

The vncouth passions which my hart did proue.

No tree whose branches did not brauelie spring,

No branch whereon a fine bird did not sit:

No bird but did her shrill notes sweetelie sing,

No song but did containe a louelie dit.

Trees, branches, birds, and songs were framed faire.

Fit to allure fraile minde to careles ease:

But carefull was my thought, yet in dispaire,

I dwelt, for brittle hope me cannot please.

For when I view my loues faire eies reflecting,

I entertaine dispaire, vaine hope reiecting.