The Poetry Corner

Sonet 24

By Michael Drayton

Love banish'd heauen, in earth was held in scorne, Wandring abroad in neede and beggery, And wanting friends though of a Goddesse borne, Yet crau'd the almes of such as passed by. I like a man, deuout and charitable; Clothed the naked, lodg'd this wandring guest, With sighs and teares still furnishing his table, With what might make the miserable blest; But this vngratefull for my good desart, Entic'd my thoughts against me to conspire, Who gaue consent to steale away my hart, And set my breast his lodging on a fire: Well, well, my friends, when beggers grow thus bold, No meruaile then though charity grow cold.