Dry those fair, those crystal eyes

Sonnet: DRY THOSE FAIR, THOSE CHRYSTAL EYES

Dry those fair, those chrystal eyes,

Which like growing fountains rise

To drown their banks. Griefs sullen brooks

Would better flow in furrow’d looks.

Thy lovely face was never meant

To be the shoar of discontent.

Then clear those watrish starres again

Which else portend a lasting rain;

Lest the clouds which settle there

Prolong my Winter all the Year:

And the example others make

In love with sorrow for thy sake.

Elgar's version:

Dry those fair, those crystal eyes,

Which like growing fountains rise

To drown their banks : Grief’s sullen brooks

Would better flow in furrow’d looks ;

Thy lovely face was never meant

To be the shore of discontent.

Then clear those wat'rish stars again,

Which else portend a lasting rain ;

Lest the clouds which settle there

Prolong my winter all the year,

And thy example others make

In love with sorrow for thy sake.