Lo, as a careful housewife runs to catch

Sonnet 143

Lo, as a careful housewife runs to catch

«William Shakespeare»

Lo as a careful huswife runs to catch,

 One of her feathered creatures broke away,

 Sets down her babe and makes all swift dispatch

 In pursuit of the thing she would have stay:

 Whilst her neglected child holds her in chase,

 Cries to catch her whose busy care is bent,

 To follow that which flies before her face:

 Not prizing her poor infant's discontent;

 So run'st thou after that which flies from thee,

 Whilst I thy babe chase thee afar behind,

 But if thou catch thy hope turn back to me:

 And play the mother's part, kiss me, be kind.

 So will I pray that thou mayst have thy Will,

 If thou turn back and my loud crying still.