Idea XX
Idea XX
Original Text
Michael Drayton, Poems (W. Stansby for J. Swethwicke, 1619). STC 7222. Facs. edn.: Scolar Press, 1969. PR 2255 A1 1619A.
1An evil spirit, your beauty, haunts me still,
2Wherewith, alas, I have been long possess'd,
3Which ceaseth not to tempt me to each ill,
4Nor gives me once but one poor minute's rest.
5In me it speaks, whether I sleep or wake;
6And when by means to drive it out I try,
7With greater torments then it me doth take,
8And tortures me in most extremity.
9Before my face it lays down my despairs,
10And hastes me on unto a sudden death;
11Now tempting me to drown myself in tears,
12And then in sighing to give up my breath.
13Thus am I still provok'd to every evil
14By this good-wicked spirit, sweet angel-devil.
Publication Start Year
1599
RPO poem Editors
F. D. Hoeniger
RPO Edition
3RP 1.130.
Rhyme
Form