The Sixth Decade. Sonnet VII. My Heart, mine Eye accuseth of his death

Henry Constable (1562–1613)

MY Heart, mine Eye accuseth of his death.

Saying, “His wanton sight bred his unrest:”

Mine Eye affirms, “My Heart’s unconstant faith

Hath been his bane, and all his joys represt.”

My Heart avows, “Mine Eye let in the fire,

Which burns him with an everliving light.”

Mine Eye replies, “My greedy Heart’s desire

Let in those floods, which drown him day and night.”

Thus wars my Heart, which Reason doth maintain,

And calls my Eye to combat if he dare.

The whilst, my Soul, impatient of disdain,

Wrings from his bondage unto death more near;

Save that my love, still holdeth him in hand,

“A kingdom thus divided, cannot stand!”