SONNET XLII.
Reading edition
Poco era ad appressarsi agli occhi miei.
SUCH ARE HIS SUFFERINGS THAT HE ENVIES THE INSENSIBILITY OF MARBLE.
Had but the light which dazzled them afar Drawn but a little nearer to mine eyes, Methinks I would have wholly changed my form, Even as in Thessaly her form she changed: But if I cannot lose myself in her More than I have—small mercy though it won— I would to-day in aspect thoughtful be, Of harder stone than chisel ever wrought, Of adamant, or marble cold and white, Perchance through terror, or of jasper rare And therefore prized by the blind greedy crowd. Then were I free from this hard heavy yoke Which makes me envy Atlas, old and worn, Who with his shoulders brings Morocco night. Anon.