Canzon 15. Ne’er were the silvery wings of my Desire

Anonymous

NE’ER were the silvery wings of my Desire

Tainted with thought of black impurity!

The modest blush that did my cheeks attire,

Was to thy virgin fears, statute security!

When to a favour’s sweet promotion

My joyless thoughts, thou hast advancèd higher!

O then sigh’s sacrifice of my love’s devotion

I sent, repurified in holy fire!

My fears, how oft have I ingeminated!

(O black recite of passèd misery!)

Thy heart for to entender! they have intimated

(Besides what thou hast seen!) what I have suffered for thee!

But see! since eyes were aliens to thy beauty,

I sing mine own faith, and neglect love’s duty!