Creative Engagement; Write A Response Sonnet: Response to Pamphilia to Amphilanthus (Sonnet 16)

Here is my response sonnet to Sonnet 16 of Pamphilia to Amphilanthus. I tried to keep close to the exact rhyme scheme she had: a-b-a-b-b-a-b-a-c-c-d-e-e-b (or at least that is what I believe the rhyme scheme is when I read it; I may have read a word with the wrong enunciation). Also, on a side note, when I went online to get a better understanding of the poem, it was listed as Sonnet 14 elsewhere but 16 in my book.

Sonnet 16:

Am I thus conquered? Have I lost the powers

That to withstand, which joys to ruin me?

Must I be still while it my strength devours

And captive leads me prisoner, bound, unfree?

Love first shall leave men's fancies to them free, 

Desire shall quench Love's flames, spring hate sweet showers

Love shall lose all his darts, have sight and see

His shame and wishings hinder happy hours

Why should we not Love's purblind charms resist?

Must we be servile, doing what he list?

No, seek some host to harbor thee: I fly

Thy babish tricks, and freedom do profess.

But O my hurt makes my lost heart confess

I love, and must: So farewell liberty 

 

Response:

Thou art conquered - losing the powers

to withstand, be still and give in.

It devours you not but empowers

And holds you not; the prison is within.

Let yourself love and surrender before I wear thin,

Quench your Desire with Love, you need not spring showers.

Love shall aim golden arrows and win;

No shame to be found within our happy hours.

Resist not the charms of Love's infatuation,

Let Love sway you to your elation,

Flee not away but welcome Love;

Love tricks you not and freedom you keep -

Find your heart hurt no more nor weep

Love me, be found, let Love in

Although I know what I meant when I wrote the response poem, I'd like to leave the interpretation open to the readers to see if/what they comment on it. Hope you enjoyed it ^_^