Chapter XLIV: Sidenote: Solstit: brumal

_This Sonnet was devised upon the shortest day of the year._]

The days are now come to their shortest date;
And must, in time, by course, increase again.
But only I continue at one state,
Void of all hope of help, or ease of pain;
For days of joy must still be short with me,
And nights of sorrow must prolongèd be.