Sonnet LI. Do I not see that fairest images

Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599)

DO I not see that fairest images

Of hardest marble are of purpose made,

For that they should endure through many ages,

Ne let their famous monuments to fade?

Why then do I, untrained in lover’s trade,

Her hardness blame, which I should more commend?

Sith never aught was excellent assayed

Which was not hard t’ achieve and bring to end.

Ne aught so hard, but he, that would attend,

Mote soften it and to his will allure:

So do I hope her stubborn heart to bend,

And that it then more steadfast will endure:

Only my pains will be the more to get her;

But, having her, my joy will be the greater.