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THE HERMIT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Like to a hermit poor, in place obscure
Last Line: To let in death when love and fortune will.
Alternate Author Name(s): Ralegh, Walter


Like to a hermit poor in place obscure
I mean to spend my days of endless doubt,
To wail such woes as time cannot recure,
Where none but love shall ever find me out.

My food shall be of care and sorrow made,
My drink nought else but tears fall'n from mine eyes,
And for my light in such obscured shade
The flames shall serve which from my heart arise.

A gown of gray my body shall attire,
My staff of broken hope whereon I'll stay;
Of late repentance linked with long desire
The couch is framed whereon my limbs I'll lay.

And at my gate despair shall linger still
To let in death when love and fortune will.





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