Ode to
Nan Min - XII
(Sonnet)
Softness is first among the feminine charms
And with her, Beauty makes her mute appeal.
Man, destined to guard Woman from all harms
Courage personifies, and strength as steel.
To take my stand, I'll go to any length,
Doing such service only mankind can.
Your gentle qualities such ruggèd strength
Summon from me, that I am thrice the man.
O worthy wench to wrench a work well wrought
In calling power from his dormant lay.
For thee into the breach,
as honor ought,
I'll go, an Englishman in gallant play.
Thy female graces so encourage me
That hard is easy and confinement free.
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