The Sea Marke

Aloofe, aloofe, and come no neare,

  the dangers doe appeare;

Which if my ruine had not beene

  you had not seene:

I onely lie upon this shelfe

  to be a mark to all

  which on the same might fall,

That none may perish but my selfe.

 

If in or outward you be bound,

  doe not forget to sound;

Neglect of that was cause of this

  to steare amisse.

The Seas were calme, the wind was faire,

  that made me so secure,

  that now I must indure

All weathers be they foule or faire.

 

The Winters cold, the Summers heat,

  alternatively beat

Upon my bruised sides, that rue

  because too true

That no releefe can ever come.

  But why should I despair

  Being promised so faire

That there shall be a day of Dome.