Sonnet 143

1 Lo as a careful huswife runs to catch,
2 One of her feathered creatures broke away,
3 Sets down her babe and makes all swift dispatch
4 In pursuit of the thing she would have stay:
5 Whilst her neglected child holds her in chase,
6 Cries to catch her whose busy care is bent,
7 To follow that which flies before her face:
8 Not prizing her poor infant’s discontent;
9 So run’st thou after that which flies from thee,
10 Whilst I thy babe chase thee afar behind,
11 But if thou catch thy hope turn back to me:
12 And play the mother’s part, kiss me, be kind.
13 So will I pray that thou mayst have thy Will,
14 If thou turn back and my loud crying still.