Montanus' Sonnet in the Woods

Alas, how wander I amidst these woods.
Whereas no day-bright shine doth find access!
But where the melancholy fleeting floods.
Dark as the night, my night of woes express,
Disarm'd of reason, spoil'd of Nature's goods.
Without redress to salve my heaviness
I walk, whilst thought, too cruel to my harms.
With endless grief my heedless judgment charms.

My silent tongue assail'd by secret fear.
My traitorous eyes imprison'd in their joy;
My fatal peace devour'd in feigned cheer,
My heart enforced to harbour in annoy;
My reason robb'd of power by yielding care.
My fond opinions slave to every joy.
O Love! thou guide in my uncertain way,
Woe to thy bow, thy fire, the cause of my decay!