Sonnet XXVIII. Not causeless were you christened, gentle flowers

Thomas Lodge (1558–1625)

NOT causeless were you christened, gentle flowers,

The one of faith, the other fancy’s pride;

For she who guides both faith and fancy’s power,

In your fair colours wraps her ivory side.

As one of you hath whiteness without stain,

So spotless is my love and never tainted;

And as the other shadoweth faith again,

Such is my lass, with no fond change acquainted.

And as nor tyrant sun nor winter weather

May ever change sweet amaranthus’ hue,

So she though love and fortune join together,

Will never leave to be both fair and true.

And should I leave thee there, thou pretty elf?

Nay, first let Damon quite forget himself.