SONNET CCXXIV.
Reading edition
Cara la vita, e dopo lei mi pare.
HONOUR TO BE PREFERRED TO LIFE.
Methinks that life in lovely woman first, And after life true honour should be dear; Nay, wanting honour—of all wants the worst— Friend! nought remains of loved or lovely here. And who, alas! has honour's barrier burst, Unsex'd and dead, though fair she yet appear, Leads a vile life, in shame and torment curst, A lingering death, where all is dark and drear. To me no marvel was Lucretia's end, Save that she needed, when that last disgrace Alone sufficed to kill, a sword to die. Sophists in vain the contrary defend: Their arguments are feeble all and base, And truth alone triumphant mounts on high! Macgregor.