The Poetry Corner

Sonet 9

By Michael Drayton

Loue once would daunce within my Mistres eye, And wanting musique fitting for the place, Swore that I should the Instrument supply, And sodainly presents me with her face: Straightwayes my pulse playes liuely in my vaines, My panting breath doth keepe a meaner time, My quau'ring artiers be the Tenours Straynes, My trembling sinewes serue the Counterchime, My hollow sighs the deepest base doe beare, True diapazon in distincted sound: My panting hart the treble makes the ayre, And descants finely on the musiques ground; Thus like a Lute or Violl did I lye, Whilst the proud slaue daunc'd galliards in her eye.