Philip Ayres - A Sonnet, of Petrarch, Showing How Long He Had Lov'd Madonna Laura lyrics

Pleasure in thought, in weeping ease I find; I catch at shadows, grasp air with my hand; On seas I float are bounded with no land; Plough water, sow on rocks, and reap the wind. The sun I gaz'd so long at, I became Struck with its dazzling rays, and lost my eyes; I chase a nimble doe that always flies, And hunt with a dull creature, weak and lame. Heartless I live to all things but my ill, Which I'm solicitous to follow still; And only call on Laura, Love and d**h. Thus twenty years I've spent in misery, Whilst only sighs, and tears, and sobs I buy, Under such hard stars first I drew my breath.