Idea LI

Idea LI

Original Text
Michael Drayton, Poems (W. Stansby for J. Swethwicke, 1619). STC 7222. Facs. edn.: Scolar Press, 1969. PR 2255 A1 1619A.
2Th' incertain times oft varying in their course,
3How things still unexpectedly have run,
4As t' please the fates by their resistless force:
5Lastly, mine eyes amazedly have seen
10Thus the world doth and evermore shall reel.
11Yet to my goddess am I constant ever,
12Howe'er blind fortune turn her giddy wheel:
13Though heaven and earth prove both to me untrue,
14Yet am I still inviolate to you.

Notes

1] Probably written early in 1605. Back to Line
6] Essex' ... Tyrone ... gain. Essex was executed in February 1601; Tyrone, leader of an Irish rebellion, gained his peace when surrendering to Mountjoy in 1603. Back to Line
7] Queen Elizabeth died on March 24, 1603. Back to Line
8] King's fair entrance. James I reached London on May 7, 1603, but coronation ceremonies were delayed because of the plague.
our peace with Spain. A treaty with Spain was concluded in August 1604. Back to Line
9] England's alliance with Holland was brought to an end by the Spanish treaty. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1605
RPO poem Editors
F. D. Hoeniger
RPO Edition
3RP 1.131.
Form