Sonnet 80

AFTER so long a race as I have run

Through Faery Land, which those six books compile1,

Give leaue to rest me, being halfe fordonne2,

And gather to my selfe new breath awhile.

Then, as a steed refreshéd after toyle,

Out of my prison I will breake anew:

And stoutly3 will that second worke assoyle4,

With strong endevour and attention dew.

Till then give leave to me, in pleasant mew5,

To sport my muse, and sing my loves sweet praise:

The contemplation of whose heavenly hew,

My spirit to an higher pitch will rayse.

But let her prayses yet be low and meane6,

Fit for the handmayd of the Faery Queene.

注释：1.compile：包含，包括；由……组成[合成]。

2.fordonne：筋疲力尽的。

3.stoutly：大胆地。

4.assoyle：释放，解除。

5.mew：幽禁，监禁。

6.meane：普遍的，普通的。