SONNET 9
There was never file half so wellfiled, To file a file for every smith's intent, As I was made a filing instrument To frame others while I was beguiled. But reason hath at my folly smiled, And pardoned me sins that I me repent, Of my lost years, and time mispent. For youth did me lead and falshood guided, Yet this trust I have of full great appearance, Since that deceit is aye returneable, Of very force it is agreeable That therewithal be done the recompense. Then guile beguiled plained should be never, And the reward little trust forever. There was never ffile : half so well filed, To file a file for every smythes intent : As I was made a filing instrument : To frame othrs while I was begiled. But reason hath at my follie smyled : And pardond me sins that I me repent. Of my lost yeres, and tyme myspent : For yeuth did me lede and falshode guyded, Yet this trust I have of full great aperaunce : Syns that decept is aye retourneable, Of very force it is aggreable ; That therewithal be done the recompence. Then gile begiled plained should be never, And the reward litle trust for ever.
NOTES
Lines 1-4 = the metaphor is from the blacksmith's workshop, and the general meaning seems to be that the poet thinks he has been made use of and taken in.is aye returnable = may always be repaid.of very force = assuredly.That therewithal be done the recompense = that you be paid back for what you have done tome.guile beguiled = trickery that is in its turn tricked.plained = complained of.
