Fond Pleasures
When every one to pleasing pastime hies
Some hunt, some hawk, some play,* while some delight
In sweet discourse, and music shows joy’s might
Yet I my thoughts do* far above these prize
The joy which I take, is that free from eyes
I sit, and wonder at this day-like night
So to dispose themselves, as void of right;
And leave true pleasure for poor vanities
When others hunt, my thoughts I have in chase;
If hawk, my mind at wished end doth fly,
Discourse, I, with my spirit* talk, and cry
While others, music is their* greatest grace.
O God, say I, can these fond pleasures move?
Or music be but in dear* thoughts of love?
'play': probably play cards or a similar game; like hawking and hunting, seen here as vain aristocratic pursuits. Wroth's husband Robert Wroth was especially fond of hunting, a passion he shared with King James, and he had the position of Forester. But while this sonnet may well have an autobiographical cast, Mary Wroth took part in courtly pastimes herself, notably dancing in masques arranged by Queen Anne.
'do': written over top of 'did'.
'spirit': here meaning something like Soul, with a sense of the essence of oneself.
'is their' = 'choose as' in P.
'dear' = 'sweet' in P.
