In only this like Hercules am I, In t...

In only this like Hercules am I,

In this I prove me of his lineage right:

In this himself, his deeds I show in this:

In this, nought else, my ancestor he is.

But go we: die I must, and with brave end

Conclusion make of all foregoing harms:

Die, die I must: I must a noble death,

A glorious death unto my succour call:

I must deface the shame of time abus'd,

I must adorn the wanton loves I used,

With some courageous act: that my last day

By mine own hand my spots may wash away.

Come dear Lucilius: alas! why weep you thus!

This mortal lot is common to us all.

We must all die, each doth in homage owe

Unto that god that shared the realms below.

Ah sigh no more: alas! Appease your woes,

For by your grief my grief more eager grows.

Mary Sidney, The Tragedy of Antonie, http://www.luminarium.org/renascence-editions/antonie.html.

Full text of the play: http://www.luminarium.org/renascence-editions/antonie.html