Sonnet 22. On unknown shore, with weather hard distressed
On unknown shore, with weather hard distressed, The fainting Mariner so fears the night As I, who in the day’s declining light Do read the story of my wrack of rest. Blest in your sight: and but in sight yet blest, Even now to leave your light, my life’s delight, I wait to’adore, in rays as sweet as bright, The sun lodged in your eyes, heavens in your breast. O of man’s hopes the vain condition! While I am saying, ‘Thou low shady room Straight shalt a match to highest spheres become’. Sad night, to be more dark, your stay puts on, And in your failing paints, her black aspect, Yet sees a mind more dark for your neglect.
Robert Sidney’s other poems:
- Sonnet 11. Though the most perfect style cannot attain
- Sonnet 15. You that haue power to kil, haue will to saue
- Sonnet 10. She whom I serve to write did not despise
- Sonnet 6. When rest locks up the treasures of delight
- Sonnet 12. Who gives himself, may ill his words deny
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