How often have your walls, embattlements
Defended dauntless virtue lest it fall
To challenges, temptations, let defense
Against attacks, - hold strong, defeat them all?
Each time my hand approaches, I recall,
You turn your eyes and lips or breasts away,
No mass retreat, just subtle, quiet, small
Withdrawals fending off without delay
My overtures as oft so still we lay
Ourselves in compromise upon love's bed.
Sweet promises, faint whispers yesterday,
Lie dormant, mute, unheard, as if not said.
Refrain from love again, tonight, lie still
As I defend against your driven will.
Lorenzo Costigliolo
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-chased-virgin-spenserian-sonnet-2-sonnet-70/
