Sonnets
SONNET XXIV
Dante, I pray thee, if thou Love discover
In any place where Lappo Gianni is,–
If ’t irk thee not to move thy mind in this,
Write me these answered: “Doth he style him Lover?”;
And, “Doth the lady seem as one approving?”;
And, “Makes he show of service with fair skill?”;
For many a time folk made as he is, will
To assume importance, make a show of loving.
Thou know’st that in that court where Love puts on
His royal robes, no vile man can be servant
To any lady who were lost therein;
If servant’s suff’ring doth assistance win,
Our style could show unto the least observant,
It beareth mercy for a gonfalon.
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