Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.
A calculation upon the birth of an Honourable Lady’s Daughter Henry Constable (1562–1613)Born in the year 1588, and on a Friday
F
Both in the Wondrous Year, and on the day
Wherein the fairest Planet beareth sway;
The heavens to thee, this fortune doth decree!
Thou of a world of hearts in time shall be
A Monarch great; and with one beauty’s ray
So many hosts of hearts, thy face shall slay;
As all the rest, for love, shall yield to thee!
But even as A
His father’s conquests, wept; lest he should leave
No kingdom unto him for to subdue:
So shall thy mother, thee of praise bereave!
So many hearts already she hath slain;
As few behind to conquer shall remain.
F I N I S.