The Poetry Corner

Sonnets: Idea V

By Michael Drayton

Nothing but "No!" and "I!"[A] and "I!" and "No!" "How falls it out so strangely?" you reply. I tell ye, Fair, I'll not be answered so, With this affirming "No!" denying "I!" I say "I love!" You slightly answer "I!" I say "You love!" You pule me out a "No!" I say "I die!" You echo me with "I!" "Save me!" I cry; you sigh me out a "No!" Must woe and I have naught but "No!" and "I!"? No "I!" am I, if I no more can have. Answer no more; with silence make reply, And let me take myself what I do crave; Let "No!" and "I!" with I and you be so, Then answer "No!" and "I!" and "I!" and "No!"