Sonnet XXI: A Witless Galant

Portrait of Michael Drayton
Michael Drayton 1563–1631

A witless gallant a young wench that woo'd (Yet his dull spirit her not one jot could move), Entreated me, as e'er I wish'd his good, To write him but one sonnet to his love; When I, as fast as e'er my pen could trot, Pour'd out what first from quick invention came, Nor never stood one word thereof to blot, Much like his wit that was to use the same; But with my verses he his mistress won, Which doted on the dolt beyond all measure. But see, for you to Heav'n for phrase I run, And ransack all Apollo's golden treasure; Yet by my froth this fool his love obtains, And I lose you for all my love and pains.

Keep reading

Discover more of Michael Drayton’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.