361Let those who are in favor with their stars

362Of public honor and proud titles boast,

363Whilst I, whom fortune of such triumph bars,

364Unlooked for joy in that I honor most.

365Great princes' favorites their fair leaves spread

366But as the marigold at the sun's eye,

367And in themselves their pride lies buried,

368For at a frown they in their glory die.

369The painful warrior famousèd for worth,

370After a thousand victories once foiled,

371Is from the book of honor razèd quite,

372And all the rest forgot for which he toiled:

373 Then happy I, that love and am beloved

374 Where I may not remove, nor be removed.

376Lord of my love, to whom in vassalage

377Thy merit hath my duty strongly knit:

378To thee I send this written embassage

379To witness duty, not to show my wit;

380Duty so great, which wit so poor as mine

381May make seem bare, in wanting words to show it;

382But that I hope some good conceit of thine

383In thy soul's thought, all naked, will bestow it.

384Till whatsoever star that guides my moving

385Points on me graciously with fair aspect,

386And puts apparel on my tattered loving,

387To show me worthy of thy sweet respect:

388 Then may I dare to boast how I do love thee;

389 Till then, not show my head where thou mayst prove me.

391Weary with toil, I haste me to my bed,

392The dear repose for limbs with travel tired;

393But then begins a journey in my head

394To work my mind, when body's work's expired;

395For then my thoughts, from far where I abide,

396Intend a zealous pilgrimage to thee,

397And keep my drooping eyelids open wide,

398Looking on darkness which the blind do see;

399Save that my soul's imaginary sight

400Presents thy shadow to my sightless view,

401Which like a jewel, hung in ghastly night,

402Makes black night beauteous, and her old face new.

403 Lo, thus by day my limbs, by night my mind,

404 For thee, and for myself, no quiet find.