Can someone please explain Sonnet 38 by Spenser?

Question

ARION, when through tempests cruel wrack,
He forth was thrown into the greedy seas:
through the sweet music which his harp did make
allured a Dolphin him from death to ease.
But my rude music, which was wont to please
some dainty ears, cannot, with any skill,
the dreadfull tempest of her wrath appease,
nor move the Dolphin from her stubborn will,
But in her pride she doth persever still,
all careless how my life for her decays:
yet with one word she can it save or spill.
to spill were pity, but to save were praise.
Choose rather to be praised for doing good,
than to be blam'd for spilling guiltless blood.

Answer 1

Try the link below. It has discussion of several sonnets and has some information on Sonnett 38. I hope it helps.

:-)