SONNET I

When I pause to contemplate my circumstance,
and look back on the road I have traversed,
I find, to judge by where I have been lost,
that I might well have ended up far worse;

but then if I forget about the road,
I don't know how I've reached such misery;
I know I die, and all the more regret
the knowledge that my love will die with me.

And die I shall, for yielding artlessly
to one who easily could end my life
if that's what she desires, which may prove true;

for since my will can bring about my death,
her will, which is not so much on my side,
since it can, what else would it likely do?