Classic Poem

XXVI

Such vain thought as wonted to mislead me
In desert hope by well assured moan
Maketh me from company to live alone
In following her whom reason bid me flee.
She fleeth as fast by gentle cruelty
And after her mine heart would fain be gone,
But armed sighs my way do stop anon,
'Twixt hope and dread locking my liberty.
Yet as I guess, under disdainful brow
One beam of pity is in her cloudy look,
Which comforteth the mind that erst for fear shook.
And therewithal bolded, I seek the way how
To utter the smart that I suffer within,
But such it is I not how to begin.