Mary Wroth

1587-1651 / England

Sonnet Viii

He that shuns Love, doth love himselfe the lesse,
And cursed he whose spirit, not admires
The worth of Love, where endlesse blessednes
Raignes, & commands, maintain'd by heav'nly fires.
Made of Vertue, joyn'd by Truth, blowne by Desires,
Strengthned by Worth, renew'd by carefulnesse,
Flaming in never changing thoughts: bryers
Of Jealousie shall heere misse welcomnesse.
Nor coldly passe in the pursutes of Love
Like one long frozen in a Sea of ice:
And yet but chastly let your passions moove,
No thought from vertuous Love your minds intice.
Never to other ends your Phant'sies place,
But where they may returne with honor's grace.
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