Sonnet 26. I ever love, where never Hope appears

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

[First printed in 1594 (No. 37), and in all later editions.]

To Despair

I EVER love, where never Hope appears,

Yet Hope draws on my never-hoping care;

And my life’s Hope would die but for Despair;

My never-certain joy breeds ever certain fears.

Uncertain dread gives wings unto my Hope;

Yet my Hope’s wings are laden so with fear

As they cannot ascend to my Hope’s sphere;

Though fear gives them more than a heavenly scope.

Yet this large room is bounded with Despair,

So my Love is still fettered with vain Hope,

And liberty deprives him of his scope,

And thus am I imprisoned in the air.

Then, sweet Despair, awhile hold up thy head!

Or all my Hope, for sorrow, will be dead.