Petrarch - Sonnet CCXXIV lyrics

HONOUR TO BE PREFERRED TO LIFE Methinks that life in lovely woman first, And after life true honour should be dear; Nay, wanting honour—of all wants the worst— Friend! nought remains of loved or lovely here. And who, alas! has honour's barrier burst, Uns**'d and dead, though fair she yet appear, Leads a vile life, in shame and torment curst, A lingering d**h, where all is dark and drear. To me no marvel was Lucretia's end, Save that she needed, when that last disgrace Alone sufficed to k**, a sword to die. Sophists in vain the contrary defend: Their arguments are feeble all and base, And truth alone triumphant mounts on high! Macgregor.