Classic Poem

This Tower, this Castle, this huge Prison strong,
Begirt with high and double fenced Wall,
(Where I to be kept prisoner, thus have wrong)
Can never hurt, nor do me harme at all:
Since I was pent here, I am (nothing changde)
But as before, when I abrode still rangde.

This place restraines my Bodies libertie,
But hath no power over my Thoughts or Minde,
Which is the cause I count my selfe most free,
Though I my selfe in greatest Bondage finde,
I can so feede on Fancie, and subdue
Envie, by sweet Imagination true.

No sweeter Musick to the Miserable,
Than is Despayre: therefore the more I feele
Of bitternes, of sorrow sower and fell,
The more of Sweetnes it doth seeme to yeeld.
Vaine I esteeme my life, all libertie,
Since I do want mine ALBAS Companie.

Use, Miserie hath made familiar now
With me, that I count sorrow chiefest Joy:
And him the welcomst Guest I do alow,
That saddest tales can tell of bloodiest Noy.
Then (Cruell) think what life I still have led,
Since so in post away from me th'art fled.