To Despair <br /> <br />I ever love where never hope appears, <br />Yet hope draws on my never-hoping care, <br />And my life's hope would die, but for despair; <br />My never-certain joy breeds ever-certain fears; <br />Uncertain dread gives wings unto my hope, <br />Yet my hope's wings are laden so with fear <br />As they cannot ascend to my hope's sphere; <br />Though fear gives them more than a heav'nly scope, <br />Yet this large room is bounded with despair; <br />So my love is still fetter'd with vain hope, <br />And liberty deprives him of his scope, <br />And thus am I imprison'd in the air. <br />Then, sweet despair, awhile hold up thy head, <br />Or all my hope for sorrow will be dead.<br /><br />Michael Drayton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-xxvi-i-ever-love/
