Mary Wroth
The Crown Sonnets
Is to leave all, and take the thread of love
Which line straight leads unto the soul's content
Where choice delights with pleasure's wings do move,
And idle fancy never room had lent,
When chaste thoughts guide us then our minds are bent
To take that good which ills from us remove,
Light of true love, brings fruit which none repent
But constant lovers seek, and wish to prove.
Love is the shining star of blessing's light;
The fervent fire of zeal, the root of peace,
That lasting lamp fed with the oil of right;
Image of faith, and womb for joy's increase.
Love is true virtue, and his end's delight
His flames are joys, his bands true lovers' might.