March 1583
SONNET TO M. M. BY W. S.
I can’t deny Anne hath a way with me,
And I had mine with her, though by her leave,
The consequence whereof, ’tis plain to see;
I relinquish thee, and to her cleave,
Yet not forswear ambition or thee deceive,
My friend—both man and maid, soul’s twin!—
But from thee both a while myself bereave,
T’ bestow heart’s wealth on wife and kin.
In time my useless wit shall rise again,
With mem’ries of thee made strong, and conceive
Brave heroines, offspring of this pen,
Disguised for love in plots that interweave.
Thus our lively deeds and loves I’ll use.
Tho’ Anne be my wife, thou Meg art my Muse.