Sonnet XII. One day I sought with her heart-thrilling eyes

Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599)

ONE day I sought with her heart-thrilling eyes

To make a truce, and terms to entertain:

All fearless then of so false enemies,

Which sought me to entrap in treason’s train.

So, as I then disarmed did remain,

A wicked ambush which lay hidden long

In the close covert of her guileful eyen,

Thence breaking forth, did thick about me throng.

Too feeble I t’ abide the brunt so strong,

Was forced to yield myself into their hands;

Who, me captiving straight with rigorous wrong,

Have ever since me kept in cruel bands.

So, Lady, now to you I do complain,

Against your eyes, that justice I may gain.