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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: 20 by RICHARD BARNFIELD

First Line: BUT NOW MY MUSE TOYLD WITH CONTINUALL CARE
Last Line: PARDON I CRAVE OF THEM, AND OF THEE, PITTY.
Subject(s): GAYS & LESBIANS; HOMOEROTICISM; LESBIANS; GAY WOMEN; GAY MEN;

But now my Muse toyld with continuall care,
Begins to faint, and slacke her former pace,
Expecting favour from that heavenly grace,
That maie (in time) her feeble strength repaire.
Till when (sweete youth) th'essence of my soule,
(Thou that dost sit and sing at my hearts griefe.
Thou that dost send thy shepheard no reliefe)
Beholde, these lines; the sonnes of Teares and Dole.
Ah had great Colin chiefe of shepheards all,
Or gentle Rowland, my professed friend,
Had they thy beautie, or my pennance pend,
Greater had beene thy fame, and lesse my fall:
But since that everie one cannot be wittie,
Pardon I crave of them, and of thee, pitty.



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