Sonnet LXXVII. Was it a dream, or did I see it plain

Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599)

WAS it a dream, or did I see it plain;

A goodly table of pure ivory,

All spread with junkets, fit to entertain

The greatest Prince with pompous royalty:

’Mongst which, there in a silver dish did lie

Two golden apples of unvalued price;

Far passing those which Hercules came by,

Or those which Atalanta did entice;

Exceeding sweet, yet void of sinful vice;

That many sought, yet none could ever taste;

Sweet fruit of pleasure, brought from Paradise

By Love himself, and in his garden placed.

Her breast that table was, so richly spread;

My thoughts the guests, which would thereon have fed.