Sonnet IX. My spotless love, that never yet was tainted

Bartholomew Griffin (d. 1602)

MY spotless love, that never yet was tainted,

My loyal heart, that never can be moved,

My growing hope, that never yet hath fainted,

My constancy, that you full well have proved:

All these consented have, to plead for grace,

These all lie crying at the door of Beauty!

This wails! this sends out tears! this cries apace!

All do reward expect of faith and duty!

Now either thou must prove th’unkindest one;

And as thou fairest art, must crudest be!

Or else, with pity, yield unto their moan!

Their moan that ever will importune thee.

Ah, thou must be unkind, and give denial;

And I, poor I, must stand unto my trial!