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A Sonnet. Of LOVE.
IF Love it be not, what is this I feel?
If it be Love, what Love is, fain I'd know?
If good, why the effects severe and ill?
If bad, why do its torments please me so?
If willingly I burn, should I complain?
If 'gainst my will, what helps it to lament?
Oh living Death! oh most delightful Pain!
How comes all this, if I do not consent?
If I consent, 'tis madness then to grieve;
Amidst these storms, in a weak Boat I'm tost
Upon a dangerous Sea, without relief,
No help from Reason, but in Error lost.
Which way in this distraction shall I turn?
That freeze in Summer, and in Winter burn.