Lady Mary Wroth
From A Crown of Sonnets Dedicated to Love
P78
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,
The lasting lamp, fed with the oil of right,
Image of faith, and womb for joy’s increase.

Love is true virtue, and his ends delight;
His flames are joys, his bands true lovers’ might.

(c) +1