SONNET XIV

If thou must love me, let it be for nought
Except for love's sake only. Do not say
"I love her for her smile -- her look -- her way
Of speaking gently, -- for a trick of thought
That falls well with mine, and certes brought
A sense of pleasant ease on such a day." --
For these things in themselves, Beloved, may
Be changed, or change for thee, -- and love so wrought
May be unwrought so. Neither love me for
Thine own dear pity's wiping my cheeks dry
A creature might forget to weep, who bore
Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby.

By love me for love's sake, that evermore

Thou mayst love on through love's eternity