Reply to Sonnet V: Nothing But No

Read aloud for proper effect.

Sonnet V: Nothing But No (Michael Drayton)

Nothing but "No," and "Aye," and "Aye," and "No"?

How falls it out so strangely you reply?

I tell ye, Fair, I'll not be answer'd so,

With this affirming "No," denying "Aye."

I say, "I love," you slightly answer "Aye";

I say, "You love," you pule me out a "No";

I say, "I die," you echo me an "Aye";

"Save me," I cry, you sigh me out a "No";

Must woe and I have nought but "No" and "Aye"?

No I am I, if I no more can have;

Answer no more, with silence make reply,

And let me take myself what I do crave.

Let "No" and "Aye" with I and you be so;

Then answer "No," and "Aye," and "Aye" and "No."

Reply to Sonnet V: Nothing But No (Esther CW, June 2013)

No more "No," now "Aye," and "Aye," not "No".

That is what I now sincerely reply.

I tell ye, Love, I can only answer so,

With this affirming "Aye," I'll not deny thee "No."

Now I too love, forever answer "Aye";

I know you love, I retract my "No";

You said "I die," now I say "No";

"Save me," you cry, I hold you close.

Woe is gone, I do not lie when I say "Aye".

No I am I, if apology I do not crave;

Silence now, I have ceased to fly,

Take me to yourself, I end this stave

Let "No" and "Aye" with I and you be so;

Plight our troth, I'll not say "No."