SIR PHILIP SIDNEY

181 [from The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia]

Then do I thinke in deed, that better it is to be private
In sorrows torments, then, tyed to the pompes of a pallace,
Nurse inwarde maladyes, which have not scope to be breath’d out.
But perforce disgest, all bitter juices of horror

5      In silence, from a mans owne selfe with company robbed.

Better yet do I live, that though by my thoughts I be plunged

Into my lives bondage, yet may disburden a passion

(Opprest with ruinouse conceites) by the helpe of an outcrye:

Not limited to a whispringe note, the Lament of a Courtier.

10   But sometimes to the woods somtimes to the heavens do decyphire

With bolde clamor unheard, unmarckt, what I seeke what I suffer:

And when I meete these trees, in the earths faire livory clothed,

Ease I do feele (such ease as falls to one wholly diseased)

For that I finde in them parte of my estate represented.