Sonnet V. It chanced, after, that a youthful Squire

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

IT chanced, after, that a youthful Squire,

Such as, in courting, could the crafty guise,

Beheld light LAYA. She, with fresh Desire,

Hoping th’achievement of some richer prize,

Drew to the Courtier; who, with tender kiss,

(As are their guileful fashions which dissemble)

First him saluted; then (with forged bliss

Of doubtless hope) sweet words, by pause, did tremble.

So whiles she slightly glosed with her new prey,

My heart’s eye (tending his false mistress’ train)

Unyoked himself, and closely ’scaped away;

And to PARTHENOPHE did post amain,

For liberal pardon; which she did obtain.

“And judge! PARTHENOPHE! (for thou canst tell!)

That his escape from LAYA pleased me well.”