Marywroth(1587–1651?)

Sonnet 77

In this strange labyrinth how shall I turn

Ways 0 are on all sides, while the way I miss:paths

If to the right hand, there in love I burn;

Let me7 go forward, therein danger is;

If to the left, suspicion hinders bliss,

Let me turn back, shame cries I ought return,

Nor faint, 8 though crosses 0 with my fortunestroubles, adversity

kiss;

Stand still is harder, although sure to mourn.to make me

Thus let me take the right, or left hand way,

Go forward, or stand still, or back retire:

I must these doubts endure without allayalleviation

Or help, but travail find for my best hire.9

Yet that which most my troubled sense doth move,

Is to leave all and take the thread of Love.1