Sonnet XXXIX: Some, When in Rhyme

Portrait of Michael Drayton
Michael Drayton 1563–1631

Some, when in rhyme they of their loves do tell, With flames and lightnings their exordiums paint; Some call on Heav'n, some invocate on Hell, And Fates and Furies with their woes acquaint. Elysium is too high a seat for me; I will not come in Styx or Phlegethon; The thrice-three Muses but too wanton be; Like they that lust, I care not; I will none. Spiteful Erinnys frights me with her looks; My manhood dares not with foul Ate mell; I quake to look on Hecate's charming books; I still fear bugbears in Apollo's cell. I pass not for Minerva nor Astraea; Only I call on my divine Idea.

Keep reading

Discover more of Michael Drayton’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.