Mary Wroth

Crown 7

The Crown Sonnets

How blest be they then, who his favours prove

A life whereof the birth is just desire,

Breeding sweet flames which hearts invite to move

In those loved eyes which kindles Cupid's fire,

 

And nurse his longings with his thoughts entire,

Fixed on the heat of wishes formed by love,

Yet as where fire destroys this doth respire,

Increase, and foster all delights above;

 

Love will a painter make you, such, as you

Shall able be to draw your only dear

More lively, perfect, lasting, and more true

Than rarest workmen, and to you more near,

 

These be the least, then needs must all confess

He that shuns love doth love himself the less.