Sonnet X. To win the Fort, how oft have I assayed!

William Percy (1575–1648)

¶ A Mystery.

[Cf. Barnes’s Parthenophil.]

TO win the Fort, how oft have I assayed!

Wherein the heart of my fair Mistress lies.

What rams, what mines, what plots have I not laid!

Yet still am frighted from mine enterprise.

First from the leads of that proud citadel

Do foulder forth two fiery Culverins,

Under, two red coats keep the Larum Bell

For fear of close or open venturings;

Before the gates, Scorn, Fear, and Modesty

Do toss amain their pikes; but ’bove them all

Pudicity wields her staff most manfully,

Guarded with blocks, that keep me from the wall.

Yet if this staff will ford me clear the way;

In spite of all, I’ll bear my Dame away!