Sonnet XXII. “I might have died before my life began

Giles Fletcher (1586?–1623)

“I MIGHT have died before my life began;

When as my father, for his country’s good,

The Persians’ favour and the Sophy wan:

But yet with danger of his dearest blood.”

Thy father, Sweet, whom danger did beset,

Escapèd all: and for no other end

But only this, that you he might beget:

Whom heavens decreed into the world to send.

Then, father, thank thy daughter for thy life!

And Neptune praise, that yielded so to thee,

To calm the tempest, when the storms were rife;

And that thy daughter should a VENUS be.

I call thee VENUS, Sweet! but be not wroth;

Thou art more chaste, yet seas did favour both.