Sonnet VII. Fair eyes! the mirror of my mazed heart

Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599)

FAIR eyes! the mirror of my mazed heart,

What wondrous virtue is contained in you,

The which both life and death forth from you dart,

Into the object of your mighty view?

For, when ye mildly look with lovely hue,

Then is my soul with life and love inspired:

But when ye lower, or look on me askew,

Then do I die, as one with lightning fired.

But, since that life is more than death desired,

Look ever lovely, as becomes you best;

That your bright beams, of my weak eyes admired,

May kindle living fire within my breast.

Such life should be the honour of your light,

Such death the sad ensample of your might.