Sonnet: Aristotle

E’en Aristotle, Wisest of the Greeks,

the great philosopher of ancient days,

upon first hearing a fair maiden speak

forgot his wisdom and his noble ways.

 

This maid, who did hear Aristotle chide

his student for his love-struck actions, then

by trickery the Master she did ride

to demonstrate love’s power over men.

 

So, if I seem a fool for writing verse,

or fawning o’er a love that’s newly met,

your beauty could make men do much that’s worse.

I’ll fear no scorn, the precedent’s been set.

 

If Aristotle, how e’er wise, did fall,

then none, for love, can blame me after all.

 

Based on the story of Aristotle and Phyllis, which was popular in the middle ages.  See http://www.jehsmith.com/1/2013/04/phyllis-rides-aristotle.html for the story.

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