Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Coelia III: William Percy
William Percy's sonnets in "Coelia" are basically in
Petrarchan form, using the scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
Sonnets to the Fairest Coelia: III
PROVE her? –ah no: I did it but to loue her;
Then shoot amain, dread liege, I stand vnarmed;
Altho' no hope that any thing may moue her,
Some ease it is to be by beauty charmed.
Then quick, my liege; then quick, and end thy game,
That all the world may see how thou hast plagued us,
Then cruel she shall view, unto her blame,
That all men be not feeble as they've term'd us.
May be, my words may win contrition,
If not my words, my sobs: if not my sobs,
My tears may move her to compassion;
If tears do fail, –my tears, my words, my throbs.
Ay me, ah no! –tears, words, throbs; all in vain;
She scorns my dole, and smileth at my pain.
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