Sonnet XXVI

SWeet is the Rose, but growes vpon a brere;

Sweet is the Iunipere, but sharpe his bough;

sweet is the Eglantine, but pricketh nere;

sweet is the firbloome, but his braunches rough.

Sweet is the Cypresse, but his rynd is tough,

sweet is the nut, but bitter is his pill;

sweet is the broome-flowre, but yet sowre enough;

and sweet is Moly, but his root is ill.

So euery sweet with soure is tempred still,

that maketh it be coueted the more:

for easie things that may be got at will,

most sorts of men doe set but little store.

Why then should I accoumpt of little paine,

that endlesse pleasure shall vnto me gaine.