 | Three Hundred Sonnets |  |
298
ANONYMOUS POEMS.
My heart presents her gift: in turn, of theeI ask a little time, an idle hour,
Kindly to spend with these my thoughts and me,
Wooing the fragrance of the Muses' bower:
Not without crest or coat, yet nameless now,
As one to earn his spurs, and prove his power,
A candidate unknown, with vizor'd brow,
Bearing no charge upon mine argent shield,
Full of young hopes, I dare the tented field!
—Not so: this is no time for measuring swords;
Thou art no craven, though thy spirit yield,
For yonder are fair looks, and friendly words:
Choose a more peaceful image:—here reveal'd,
Taste a small sample of my humble hoards.
| Three Hundred Sonnets | |