Sonnet XXV. Who doth not know that Love is triumphant

William Smith (fl. 1596)

WHO doth not know that LOVE is triumphant,

Sitting upon the throne of majesty?

The gods themselves, his cruel darts do daunt:

And he, blind boy, smiles at their misery!

LOVE made great JOVE ofttimes transform his shape.

LOVE made the fierce ALCIDES stoop at last.

ACHILLES, stout and bold, could not escape

The direful doom which LOVE upon him cast.

LOVE made LEANDER pass the dreadful flood,

Which Cestos from Abydos doth divide.

LOVE made a chaos where proud Ilion stood.

Through LOVE the Carthaginian DIDO died.

Thus may we see how LOVE doth rule and reign;

Bringing those under, which his power disdain.