Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
William Drummond of Hawthornden Sonnet a
I Know that all beneath the Moone decayes,
And what by Mortalles in this World is brought,
In Times great Periods shall returne to nought,
That fairest States have fatall Nights and Dayes:
I know that all the Muses heavenly Layes,
With Toyle of Spright which are so dearely bought,
As idle Sounds of few, or none are sought,
And that nought lighter is than airie Praise.
I know fraile Beautie like the purple Flowre,
To which one Morne oft Birth and Death affords,
That Love a Jarring is of Mindes Accords,
Where Sense and Will invassall Reasons Power:
Know what I list, this all can not mee move,
But that (ô mee!) I both must write, and love.
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