Sonnetsday 12

 
You must not wonder, though you think it strange,
To see me hold my lowering head so low;
And that mine eyes take no delight to range
About the gleams which on your face do grow.
The mouse which once hath broken out of trap
Is seldom teasèd with the trustless bait,
But lies aloof for fear of more mishap,
And feedeth still in doubt of deep deceit.
The scorchèd fly which once hath 'scap'd the flame
Will hardly come to play again with fire.
Whereby I learn that grievous is the game
Which follows fancy dazzled by desire.
So that I wink or else hold down my head,
Because your blazing eyes my bale have bred.

(George Gascoigne)

George Gascoigne (1539-1578) is one of the minor Elizabethan Sonneteers, and thus not widely read in the standard university survey courses.  He was, however, a prolific sonneteer much respected in his own age, whose output also included plays, masques, and prose treatises.
 

Tags: Sonnets