Sonnet 143: Lo, as a careful housewife runs to catch

1Lo, as a careful housewife runs to catch

2One of her feather'd creatures broke away,

3Sets down her babe, and makes all swift dispatch

4In pursuit of the thing she would have stay;

5Whilst her neglected child holds her in chase,

6Cries to catch her whose busy care is bent

7To follow that which flies before her face,

8Not prizing her poor infant's discontent;

9So runn'st thou after that which flies from thee,

10Whilst I thy babe chase thee afar behind;

11But if thou catch thy hope, turn back to me,

12And 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.