Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904. | | Chloris | Sonnet XVII. The perils which Leander took in hand | William Smith (fl. 1596) |
| THE PERILS which LEANDER took in hand, | |
Fair HEROs love and favour to obtain; | |
When, void of fear, securely leaving land, | |
Through Hellespont he swam to Cestos main: | |
His dangers should not counterpoise my toil. | 5 |
If my dear Love would once but pity show, | |
To quench these flames which in my breast do broil, | |
Or dry these springs which from mine eyes do flow; | |
Not only Hellespont, but ocean seas, | |
For her sweet sake, to ford I would attempt! | 10 |
So that my travails would her ire appease; | |
My soul, from thrall and languish to exempt. | |
O what ist not, poor I, would undertake; | |
If labour could my peace with CHLORIS make? | | | |
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