Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.
Laura—Part IXXIII. The Gentiles used, in sign of sacrifice
Robert Tofte (1561–1620)T
The blood of men to offer; to appease
The warlike goddess’s wrath, in humble wise;
And through the same, her angry mind did please:
But Thou, more wicked Warrior far than she,
In reason may’st more cruel termèd be.
On Beauty’s altar, to thee dedicate;
Thousands of Lovers, mustering on a row,
Offer their blood and hearts! yet mitigate
Thy hardened mind cannot: which flint doth show.
Then is she cruel less than Thou art now:
Since blood her pleased; and Thee hearts cannot bow.