Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Henry Constable Diana Sonnet IX
Henry Constable's Diana sonnets are basically in Shakespearean form,
using the scheme ABBA·ABBA·CDCD·EE
Henry Constable's "Diana" sonnet IX
MY Lady’s presence makes the roses red,
Because to see her lips they blush for shame:
The lilies leaves, for envy, pale became,
And her white hands in them this envy bred.
The marigold abroad the leaves doth spread,
Because the sun’s and her power is the same;
The Violet of purple colour came,
Dy'd with the blood she made my heart to shed.
In briefe– all flowers from her their virtue take:
From her sweet breath their sweet smells do proceed,
The living heate which her eye-beames do make
Warmeth the ground, and quickeneth the seede.
The raine wherewith she watereth these flowers
Falls from mine eyes, which she dissolves in showers.
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