William Alexander

1567-1640 / Scotland

Sonet 44

O now I thinke, and do not thinke amisse,
That th'old Philosophers were all but fooles,
Who vs'd such curious questions in their schooles,
Yet could not apprehend the highest Blisse.
Lo, I haue learn'd in th' Academe of Loue,
A Maxime which they neuer vnderstood:
To loue and be belou'd, this is the good,
Which for most sou'raigne all the world will proue,
That which delights vs most must be our treasure:
And to what greater joy can one aspire,
Then to possesse all that he doth desire,
Whil'st two vnited soules do melt in pleasure?
This is the greatest good can be inuented,
That is so great it cannot be augmented.
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