LIII. In martial sports I had my cunning tried

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

IN martial sports I had my cunning tried;

And yet to break more staves did me address:

While with the people’s shouts, I must confess,

Youth, luck and praise even filled my veins with pride.

When CUPID having me, his slave, descried

In MARS’ livery, prancing in the press.

“What now, Sir Fool!” said he (I would no less)

“Look here, I say!” I looked, and STELLA spied;

Who, hard by, made a window send forth light:

My heart then quaked, then dazzled were mine eyes,

One hand forgot to rule, th’other to fight.

Nor trumpets’ sound I heard; nor friendly cries;

My foe came on, and beat the air for me:

Till that her blush taught me my shame to see.