Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.
Parthenophil and ParthenopheSonnet LXXVII. How can I live in mind’s or body’s health
Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)H
When all four Elements, my griefs conspire?
Of all heart’s joys depriving me, by stealth,
All yielding poisons to my long Desire.
The Fire, with heat’s extremes mine heart enraging.
Water, in tears, from Despair’s fountain flowing.
My soul in sighs, Air to Love’s soul engaging.
My Fancy’s coals, Earth’s melancholy blowing.
Thus these, by Nature, made for my relief;
Through that bold charge of thine imperious eye!
Turn all their graces into bitter grief.
As I were dead, should any of them die!
And they, my body’s substance, all be sick;
It follows, then, I cannot long be quick!