Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Henry Constable Diana Sonnet XIV

Henry Constable's Diana sonnets are basically in Shakespearean form, using the scheme ABBA·ABBA·CDCD·EE

Henry Constable's "Diana" sonnet XIV

LADIE! in beautie and in favour rare;
     Of favour, not of due, I favour crave:
     Nature to thee beauty and favour gave,
Faire then thou art, and favour thou mayst spare.

And when on me bestow'd your favours are,
     Lesse favour in your face you shall not have:
     If favour then a wounded soule may save;
Of murder’s guilt, dear Ladie, then beware.

My losse of life a million fold were lesse
     Than the least losse should unto you befall:

Yet grant this guift; which guift when I possesse,
     Both I have life, and you no losse at all.

For by your favour only I doe live;
And favour you may well both keepe and give.

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