Sir Philip Sidney

 

Fie, school of Patience, fie! your lesson is

Far, far too long to learn it without book:

What, a whole week without one piece of look,

And think I should not your large precepts miss?

 

When I might read those letters fair of bliss,

Which in her face teach virtue, I could brook

Somewhat thy leaden counsels, which I took

As of a friend that meant not much amiss:

 

But now that I, alas, do want her sight,

What, dost thou think that I can ever take

In thy cold stuff a phlegmatic delight?

 

No, Patience, if thou wilt my good, then make

Her come, and hear with patience my desire,

And then with patience bid me bear my fire.

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