The Praise Sonnets

1.

The fairest He that ever stepped on land,

The noblest Prince that ever throne was owed,

The sweetest face and laugh, the gentlest hand

That ever did belie what strength bestowed.

A man so nobly born, and nobly borne

When on his charger swift he easy rides.

There never was so fierce a fighter sworn:

Thus war and beauty strive to rule his eyes.

To shield his life this guardsman is assigned,

And sure I shall my duty strive to do,

Yet his sweet look can make all eyes else blind

To all but beauty, goodness, light and truth.

      If duty were by me left unfulfilled,

      He'd yet be safe, for who'd wish these things killed?

2.

I serve my Lord whose virtues shine so bright

That darkness never shall his presence touch,

For wheresoe'er he deigns to shed his light

E'en mortal eyes cannot endure so much.

Can it be trait'rous thus to place the Prince

So far above all others, e'en the King?

Can I already, so few daytimes since

I was assigned, have thought a trait'rous thing? 

It cannot be, for I would die for both

Or either, as my orders bid me do,

The King because I will not break my oath,

My Prince because it is his beauty's due.

      So, true to both, my Liege and my fair Lord,

      I keep my reasons as I keep my word.