Page:The New Life (Rossetti 1899) Siddal ed.djvu/137

&#160;&#160;&#160;The New Life (Rossetti 1899) Aldus recto.png required. Then afterwards, having thought thereof, I imagined to give vent in a sonnet to some part of my hidden lamentations; but in such sort that it might seem to be spoken by this friend of mine, to whom I was to give it. And the sonnet saith thus: "Stay now with me," etc.

''This sonnet has two parts. In the first, I call the Faithful of Love to hear me. In the second, I relate my miserable condition. The second begins here, "Mark how they force."''

now with me, and listen to my sighs,

Ye piteous hearts, as pity bids ye do.

Mark how they force their way out and press through;

If they be once pent up, the whole life dies.

Seeing that now indeed my weary eyes

Oftener refuse than I can tell to you

(Even though my endless grief is ever new),