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
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.
Rhyme
Form