explanation (razo):
This is one of several sonnets I wrote back in 2002 when I was in a Renaissance poetry class and I wanted to try writing a few different love poems. It's really nothing spectacular.
"who would serve reason and not her smile sweet?"
Who would serve Reason and not her smile sweet?
A greater man must he certainly be,
Though I prefer lacking such courtesy
As cold graces miss my dame's gentle heat.
In her love I thrive, and there am complete.
With such a lady, who seeks liberty?
Leave me not, Love, for it would ruin me
Alone with the memory of defeat.
And yet, that loss would a greater man make.
How worthy is one who prospers from woe?
E'en forsaken may I your beauty take
That of love's domain my heart might yet know.
Leave me at least with the semblance of love
So that I shall discern when to not move.