Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

I euer loue, where neuer Hope appeares,

Yet Hope drawes on my neuer-hoping Care,

And my Liues Hope would die, but for Despaire.

My neuer-certaine Ioy breeds euer-certaine Feares,

Vncertaine Dread giues Wings vnto my Hope;

Yet my Hopes Wings are laden so with Feare,

As they cannot ascend to my Hope’s Sphere;

Though Feare giues them more then a Heau’nly Scope,

Yet this large Roome is bounded with Despaire,

So my Loue is still fett’red with vaine Hope,

And Liberty depriues him of his Scope,

And thus am I imprison’d in the Aire:

        Then, sweet Despaire, awhile hold vp thy head,

        Or all my Hope for Sorrow will be dead.