possibly by Walter Raleigh, Sir (1552? - 1618)

Like hermit poor
Language: English 
Like hermit poor in pensive place obscure,
I mean to spend my days of endless doubt,
To wail such woes as time cannot recure,
Where none but love shall ever find me out;
  And at my gates despair shall linger still,
  To let in death when love and fortune will.

A gown of grey my body shall attire,
My staff of broken hope whereon I'll stay,
Of late repentance link'd with long despair,
The couch is fram'd whereon my limbs I'll lay;
  And at my gates despair shall linger still,
  To let in death when love and fortune will.

My food shall be of care and sorrow made,
My drink nought else but tears fall'n from mine eyes,
And for my light in this obscure shade,
The flame may serve, which from my heart arise;
  And at my gates despair shall linger still,
  To let in death when love and fortune will.

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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]

This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 18
Word count: 152