Sonnet XLIX How Long

How long shall I in mine affliction mourn,

A burden to myself, distress'd in mind?

When shall my interdicted hopes return From out despair wherein they live confin'd?

When shall her troubled brow charg'd with disdain Reveal the treasure which her smiles impart?

When shall my faith the happiness attain To break the ice that hath congeal'd her heart?

Unto herself, herself my love doth summon,

If love in her hath any power to move,

And let her tell me as she is a woman Whether my faith hath not deserv'd her love.

I know she cannot but must needs confess it,

Yet deigns not with one simple sign t'express it.