Sonnet 28. To such as say, thy Love I overprize

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

[First printed in 1602 (No. 31), and in all later editions.]

TO such as say, thy Love I overprize,

And do not stick to term my praises, folly;

Against these folks, that think themselves so wise,

I thus oppose my reason’s forces wholly.

Though I give more than well affords my state,

In which expense, the most suppose me vain

(Which yields them nothing, at the easiest rate),

Yet, at this price, returns me treble gain.

They value not, unskilful how to use;

And I give much, because I gain thereby:

I that thus take, or they that thus refuse;

Whether are these deceivèd then, or I?

In everything, I hold this maxim still,

The circumstance doth make it good or ill.