Sonnet LXXIX. Covetous Eyes! What did you late behold?

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

COVETOUS Eyes! What did you late behold?

My Rival gracèd with a sun-bright smile!

Where he, with secret signs, was sweetly told

Her thoughts; with winks, which all men might beguile!

Audacious, did I see him kiss that hand

Which holds the reins of my unbridled heart!

And, softly wringing it, did closely stand

Courting with love terms, and in lover’s art!

Next (with his fingers kissed) he touched her middle!

Then saucy, (with presumption uncontrolled)

To hers, from his eyes, sent regards by riddle!

At length, he kissed her cheek! Ah me! so bold!

To bandy with bel-guards in interchange.

Blind mine eyes, Envy! that they may not range!