William Shakespeare
1564-1616
Sonnet CXLIII
Lo, as a careful
housewife runs to catch
One of her feather'd
creatures broke away,
Sets down her babe,
and makes all swift dispatch
In pursuit of the
thing she would have stay;
Whilst her neglected
child holds her in chase,
Cries to catch her
whose busy care is bent
To follow that which
flies before her face,
Not prizing her poor
infant's discontent;
So runn'st thou after
that which flies from thee,
Whilst I thy babe
chase thee afar behind;
But if thou catch
thy hope, turn back to me,
And play the mother's
part, kiss me, be kind;
So will I pray that thou mayst have thy 'Will,'
If thou turn back and my loud crying still.
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