Mary Wroth

Sonnet 17 - Poor Love in chains

Poor Love in chains, and fetters, like a thief

I met led forth, as chaste Diana's gain,

Vowing the untaught Lad should no relief

From her receive, who gloried in fond pain.

 

She called him thief; with vows he did maintain

He never stole; butt some slight touch of grief

Had given to those who did his power disdain,

In which revenge, his honour, was the chief:

 

She said he murdered, and therefore must die;

He, that he caused but love: did harms deny,

But, while she thus discoursing with him stood

 

The Nymphs untied him, and his chains took off

Thinking him safe; butt he, loose, made a scoff

Smiling, and scorning them, flew to the wood.