The Poetry Corner

Sonnet 52

By Michael Drayton

What dost thou meane to Cheate me of my Heart, To take all Mine, and giue me none againe? Or haue thine Eyes such Magike, or that Art, That what They get, They euer doe retaine? Play not the Tyrant, but take some Remorse, Rebate thy Spleene, if but for Pitties sake; Or Cruell, if thou can'st not; let vs scorse, And for one Piece of Thine, my whole heart take. But what of Pitty doe I speake to Thee, Whose Brest is proofe against Complaint or Prayer? Or can I thinke what my Reward shall be From that proud Beauty, which was my betrayer? What talke I of a Heart, when thou hast none? Or if thou hast, it is a flinty one.