Sonnet XXIV: Do not reproach me, ladies - Louise Labé

Do not reproach me, ladies, if I’ve loved,

if I have felt a thousand torches’ fires,

a thousand ills, a thousand fierce desires,

if my time a time of tears has proved,

as long as you cease to curse my name.

If I’ve failed, the agonies are mine,

so do not those bitter barbs align,

but think that Love, the very same,

without Vulcan’s ardour as excuse,

or beauty like Adonis’ to accuse,

will make you love more violently,

owning, compared to me, less reason,

possessed by fiercer, stranger passion.

And take care you’re not sorrier than me.

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Louise Charlin Perrin Labé [La Belle Cordière] ( c. 1524 – 1566) France

Translated by A. S. Kline

Source: Poetry in Translation