The First Decade. Sonnet I. Resolved to love, unworthy to obtain

Henry Constable (1562–1613)

RESOLVED to love, unworthy to obtain,

I do no favour crave; but, humble wise,

To thee my sighs in verse I sacrifice,

Only some pity, and no help to gain.

Hear then! and as my heart shall aye remain

A patient object to thy lightning eyes;

A patient ear bring thou to thund’ring cries!

Fear not the crack! when I the blow sustain.

So as thine eye bred mine ambitious thought;

So shall thine ear make proud my voice for joy.

Lo, Dear! what wonders great by thee are wrought,

When I but little favours do enjoy.

The voice is made the ear for to rejoice:

And your ear giveth pleasure to my voice.