Amoretti A sonnet sequence-Edmund Spenser

0:001. Section 1 of Amaretti, a sonnet sequenced by Edmund Spencer. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Leonard Wilson. Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, sonnets 1, 2 and 3. Happy leaves when as those lily hands which hold my life in their dead-doing might, shall handle you and hold in love soft bands like captive-strembling at the victors' sight. And happy lines on which with starry light those lamping eyes will dain sometimes to look and read the sorrows of my dying sprite written with tears in heart's close-leading book.

1:03And happy rhymes spayed in the sacred book of Helicon when she derives it is, when ye be hold at angels' blessed look my soul's long-lact food, my heaven's bliss. Lines and rhymes seek her to please alone whom if ye please I care for other men. Sonnet 2 Unquiet thought whom at the first I bred a thenward bale of my love-painted heart, and the sithons have with size and sorrows fed to greater than my womb thou wachson art. Break forth that length out of the inner part in which thou lurkest like two viper's brood and seek some succor both to ease my smart and also to sustain thyself with food.

2:05But if in presence of that fairest proud thou chance to come fall lowly at her feet, and with meek humbles and afflicted mood pardon for thee and grace for me in treat, which if she grant then live and my love cherish. If not, die soon, and I with thee will perish. Sonnet 3 Thou sovereign beauty which I do admire witness the world how worthy to be praised. The light whereof hath kindled heavenly fire in my frail spirit by her from baseness raised, that being now with her huge brightness dazed, based things I can no more endure to view, but looking still on her I stand amazed at wondrous sight of so celestial hue.

3:11So when my tongue would speak her praises do, it stop at his with thoughts astonishment, and when my pen would write her titles true it ravished his with façies wonderment. Yet in my heart I then both speak and write the wonder that my wit cannot indict. And of section 1 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 2 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer. The Sleabervox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet's 4, 5, and 6. Sonnet 4. New year forth looking out of Janisgate, thus seemed to promise hope of new delight, and

4:13bidding though the dew his passad date bids all all thoughts to die in dumpish sprite. And calling forth out of sad winter's night fresh love that long has slept in cheerless flower, wills him awake, and soon about him dight his wanton wings and darts of deadly power. For lusty spring now in his timely hour is ready to come forth him to receive, and warns the earth with diverse colored flower to deck herself and her fairer mantle weave. One new fair flower in whom fresh youth doth rain, prepare yourself new love to entertain. Sonnet 5. Rudely thou wrongest my dear heart's desire, and finding fault with her too portally pride. The thing which I do most in her admire is of the world unworthy most invade.

5:19For in those lofty looks is close implied scorn of base things, and sedane of foul dishonour, threatening rash eyes which gaze on her so wide that loosely they dare to look upon her. Such pride is praise, such portliness is honor, that bold and innocent spares in her eyes, and her fair accountonance like a goodly banner spreads in defiance of all enemies. Was never in this world ought worthy tried without some spark of such self-pleasing pride. Sonnet 6. Be not dismayed that her unmoved mind doth still persist in her rebellious pride, and love not like to lust sub-baser kind the harder one the firmer will abide.

6:22The dureful oak whose sap is not yet dried is long ere it conceive the kindling fire, but when it once doth burn it doth divide great heat and makes his flames to heaven aspire. So hard it is to kindle new desire and gentle breast that shall endure forever. Deep is the wound that dents the parts entire with chased effects that not but death can sever. Then think not long in taking little pain to knit the knot that ever shall remain. And of section 2 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 3 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer.

7:22This Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 7, 8, and 9. Sonnet 7. Fair eyes, the mirror of my mazod heart, what wondrous virtuous contained in you, the which both life and death forth from you dart into the object of your mighty view. For when you mildly look with lovely hue, then is my soul with life and love inspired. But when you lower or look on me a skew, then do I die as one with lightning fired. But since that life is more than death desired, look ever lovely as becomes you best, that your bright beams of my weak eyes admired make Kendall living fire within my breast.

8:25Such life should be the honor of your light, such death, the sad and sample of your might. Sonnet 8. More than most fair, full of the living fire, Kendall above unto the maker near, no eyes but joys in which all powers conspire, that to the world not else be counted dear. Through your bright beams, the not-the-blinded guest, shoot out his darts to base affections wound. But angels come to lead frail minds to rest in chased desires, unheavenly beauty-bound. You frame my thoughts and fashion me within, you stop my tongue and teach my heart to speak. You calm the storm that passion did begin, strong through your cause, but by your virtue, weak.

9:30Dark is the world where your light shined never. Well is he born that may behold you ever. Sonnet 9. Long while I sought to what I might compare those powerful eyes which lighten my dark sprite, yet find I not on earth to which I dare resemble the image of their goodly light. Not to the sun, for they do shine by night, nor to the moon, for they are changeable never. Nor to the stars, for they have pure sight, nor to the fire, for they consume not ever. Nor to the lightning, for they still, persever, nor to the diamond, for they are more tender. Nor unto crystal, for not may them sever. Nor unto glass, such baseness might offend her.

10:33Then to the maker-self they like us be, whose light of lighten all that here we see. The end of Section 3 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 4 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer. This Liebervox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet's 10, 11 and 12. Sonnet 10. Unrighteous Lord of Love, what law is this that me thou makeest thus tormented be, the while she, Lordeth in licentious bliss of her free will, scorning both thee and me? See how the tyrannist does joy to see the huge massacres which her eyes do make,

11:39and humbled heart springs captives unto thee, that thou of them mayst mighty vengeance take. But her proud heart, do thou a little shake, and that high look, with which she does control all this world's pride, bow to a baser-make, and all her faults in thy black book enrol. That I may laugh at her in equal sort as she does laugh at me, and makes my pain her sport. Sonnet 11. Daily when I do seek and sue for peace, and hostages do offer for my truth, she, cruel warrior, does herself address to battle, and the weary war reneweth. Nor will be moved with reason or with Ruth to grant small respite to my restless toil,

12:41but greedily her fell intent pursueeth of my poor life to make unpeted spoil. Yet my poor life all sorrows to a soil, I would her yield her wrath to pacify. But then she seeks with torment and turmoil to force me live, and will not let me die. All pain have end, and every war have peace, but mine no price nor prayer may surcece. Sonnet 12. One day I sought with her heart-thrilling eyes to make a truce, and terms to entertain. All fearless then of so false enemies which sought me to entrap in treason's train. So as I then disarm it did remain, a wicked ambush which lay hidden long in the close court of her

13:48guileful iron, then spriking forth, did thick about me throng. Too feeble I to abide the brunt so strong, was forced to yield myself into their hands, whom me captiving straight with rigorous wrong have ever since me kept in cruel bans. So lady, now to you I do complain against your eyes that justice I may gain. End of section 4 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 5 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer. This Librovaks recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet's 13, 14, and 15.

14:52Sonnet 13. In that proud port which her so goodly graceeth, whilst her fair face she rears up to the sky, and to the ground her eyelids low embasseth, most goodly temperature, you may describe. Mild humbless mixed with awful majesty. For looking on the earth when she was born, her mind remembered her mortality. What so is fairest shall to earth return. But that same lofty countenance seems to scorn based thing, and think how she to heaven may climb, treading down earth as loathsome and forlorn, that henders heavenly thoughts with drossy slime. Yet lolly still vouchsave to look on me, such lolliness shall make you lofty be.

15:54Sonnet 14. Return again my forces late dismayed unto the siege by you abandoned quite. Great shame it is to leave like one afraid, so fair a peace for one repulse so light, gain such strong castles, needeth greater might than those small forts which you were wont be lay, such hotty minds in your to hearty fight, disdain to yield unto the first essay. Bring therefore all the forces that ye may, and lay incessant battery to her heart. Plaints, prayers, vows, Ruth, sorrow and dismay. Those engines can the proudest love convert, and if those fail fall down and die before her, so die in live, and living do adore her.

16:57Sonnet 15. ye tradeful merchants that with weary toil do seek most precious things to make her gain, and both the indias of their treasure spoil. What needeth you to seek so far in vain? For lo my love does in herself contain all this world's riches that may far be found. If sapphires, low her eyes be sapphires plain. If rubies, low her lips be rubies sound. If pearls, her teeth be pearls both pure and round. If ivory, her forehead ivory ween. If gold, her locks are finest gold on ground. If silver, her fair hands are silver sheen. But that which fairest is, but few behold, her mind adorned with virtues manifold.

18:01End of section 5 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 6 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer. The Sleabrovaks recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 16, 17, and 18. Sonnet 16. One day, as I unwaryly did gaze on those fair eyes by loves immortal light, the wilds my stonnished heart stood in amaze through sweet illusion of her looks delight. I moat perceive how in her glancing sight, legions of loves with little wings did fly, darting their deadly arrows fiery bright at every rash beholder passing by.

19:05One of those archers closely I did spy aiming his arrow at my very heart, when suddenly, with twinkle of her eye, the damsel broke his misintended dart. Had she not so done, sure I had been slain, yet, as it was, I hardly escaped with pain. Sonnet 17. The glorious portrait of that angel's face made to amaze weak men's confused skill, and this world's worthless glory to embase. What pen, what pencil can express her fill? For though he colors could devise at will, and he has learned hand at pleasure guide, least trembling it his workmanship should spill, yet many wondrous things there are beside. The sweet eyeglasses that like arrows glide, the charming smiles that rob sense from the heart,

20:12the lovely pleasant and the lofty pride cannot express it be by any art. A greater craftspin's hand, there too, does need, that can express the life of things, indeed. Sonnet 18. The rolling wheel that runeth often round, the hardest steel in tract of time, does tear, and drizzling drops that often do redound, the firmest flint, dove in continuance, where. Yet cannot eye with many a dropping tear and long in treaty soften her hard heart, that she will once about save my plaintes to hear, or look with pity on my painful smart. But when I plead she bids me play my part, and when I weep she says tears are but water, and when I sigh she says I know the art, and when I will she turns herself to laughter.

21:21So do I weep and wail and plead and vain, while she as steel and flint does still remain. In the section 6 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, this Leigh-Bervach's recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet's 1920 and 21. Sonnet 19. The Mary-Coucou messenger of spring, his trumpet shrill, had thrice already sounded, that warns all lovers, wait upon their king, who now is coming forth, with Garland crowned, with noise where of the choir of birds resounded

22:24their anthem sweet, devised of love's praise, but all the words their echoes back rebounded, as if they knew the meaning of their lays. But amongst them all which did love's honor raise, no word was heard of her that most did ought, but she has precept proudly to so bays, and does his idol message set at naught. Therefore, O love, unless she turned to the air-Coucou end, let her a rebel be. Sonnet 20. In vain I seek and sue to her for grace, and do my humbled heart before her poor, the wiles her foots she and my neck doth place, and dread my life down in the lowly floor. And yet the lion that his Lord a power and reigneth over every beast in field,

23:27in his most pride disdaineth to devour the silly lamb, that to his might doth yield, but she, more cruel and more savage wild than either lion or lioness, shames not to be with guiltless blood defiled, but takeeth glory in her cruelness. Fairer than fairest let none ever say that ye were blooded in a yielded prey. Sonnet 21. Was it the work of nature or of art which tempered so the feature of her face, that pride and meekness mixed by equal part, do both appear to adorn her beauty's grace? For with mild pleasant which doth pride displace, she to her love doth lookers eyes allure, and with stern countenance back again doth chase their looser looks, that stir up lest's impure.

24:33With such strange terms her eyes she doth in your, that with one look she doth my life dismay, and with another doth it straight recur. Her smile me draws, her frown me drives away. Thus doth she train and teach me with her looks, such art of eyes I never read in books. End of section 7 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, Recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 8 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer. This Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet's 22, 23, and 24. Sonnet 22. This holy season fit to fast and pray, men to devotion ought to be inclined.

25:42Therefore I likewise on so holy day, for my sweet saint, some service fit will find. Her temple fair is built within my mind, in which her glorious image place it is, on which my thoughts do day and night attend, like sacred priests that never think amiss. There I to her as the author of my bliss will build an altar to appease her iron, and on the same my heart will sacrifice burning in flames a pure and chased desire. The witch vouchs safe, O goddess, to accept amongst the idealist relics to be kept. Sonnet 23. Penelope for her Eulisee's sake, devised a web her woeers to deceive, in which the work that she all day did make,

26:45the same at night she did again unreave. Such subtle craft my damsel does conceive the important suit of my desire to shun, for all that I in many days do weave, in one short hour I find by her undone. So when I think to end that I begun, I must begin and never bring to end, for with one look she spills that long I spun, and with one word my whole year's work does rend. Such labor like the spiders web I find, whose fruitless work is broken with least wind. Sonnet 24. When I behold that beauty's wonderment and rare perfection of each goodly part,

27:46of nature still the only compliment I honor and admire the maker's art. But when I feel the bitter baleful smart, which her fair eyes unwares to work in me, that death out of their shiny beams do dart, I think that I a new Pandora see, whom all the gods and council did agree into this sinful world from heaven to send, that she to wicked men a scourge should be, for all their faults with which they did offend. But since ye are my scourge, I will entreat that for my faults ye will me gently beat. End of Section 8 of Amoretti by Edmund Spencer, Recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio.

28:53Section 9 of Amoretti by Edmund Spencer. This labor of ox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 25, 26, and 27. Sonnet 25. How long shall this like dying life endure and no-no end of her own mystery, but waste and wear away in terms unsure, twist fear and hope depending doubtfully? Yet better were it once to let me die and show the last ensemble of your pride, than to torment me thus with cruelty to prove your power, which I too well have tried. But yet, if in your hardened breast de-hide a close intent at last to show me grace, then all the woes and wrecks which I abide as means of bliss I gladly will embrace,

29:58and wish that more and greater they might be, that greater need at last may turn to me. Sonnet 26. Sweet is the rose but grows upon a briar. Sweet is the juniper but sharp his bow. Sweet is the eggland time, but pricketh near. Sweet is the fur bloom but his branches rough. Sweet is the cypress but his rind is tough. Sweet is the nut but bitter is his pill. Sweet is the broomflower but yet sour enough. And sweet is mully but his rut is ill. So every sweet with sour is tempered still, that makeeth it be coveted the more. For easy things that may be got at will most sorts of men

31:01do set but little store. Why then should I account of little pain that endless pleasure shall unto me gain? Sonnet 27. Fair proud now tell me why should fair be proud. Sith hall-world's glory is but dross unclean and in the shade of death itself shall shroud however now there a little wean. That goodly idle now so gay be seen shall doff her flesh's borrowed fair attire and be forgot as it had never been that many now much worship and admire. Nay any then shall after it inquire. Nay any mention shall thereof remain but what this verse that never shall expire shall to you purchase with her thankless pain.

32:08There be no longer proud of that shall perish but that which shall you make immortal cherish. End of section 9 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 10 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, this Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 28, 29 and 30. Sonnet 28. The laurel leaf which you this day do wear gives me great hope of your relenting mind. For since it is the badge which I do bear ye wearing it do seem to me inclined. The power thereof which often me I find let it likewise your gentle breast inspire with sweet

33:15infusion and put you in mind of that proud maid whom now those leaves attire. Proud Daphne, squarning Phoebus lovely fire on the Thessalon shore from him did fly for which the gods in their revengeful eyeer did her transform into a laurel tree. Then fly no more fair love from Phoebus chase but in your breast his leaf and love embrace. Sonnet 29, see how the stubborn damsel does deprave my simple meaning with this dainful scorn and by the bay which I unto her gave accounts myself her captive quite for lorn. The bay quoth she is of the victors born yielded them by the vanquished as their meads and they therewith do poets heads adorn to sing the glory of their famous deeds.

34:22But since she will the conquest challenge deeds let her accept me as her faithful thrall. That her great triumph which my skill exceeds I may in trump of fame blaze over all. Then would I deck her head with glorious bays and fill the world with her victorious praise. Sonnet 30, my love is like to ice and I to fire. How comes it then that this her cold so great is not dissolved through my so hot desire but harder grows the more I her in treat. Or how comes it that my exceeding heat is not delayed by her heart frozen cold but that I burn much more in boiling sweat and feel my flames augmented manifold.

35:24What more miraculous thing may be told that fire which all things melts should harden ice and ice which is congealed with senseless cold should kendle fire by wonderful device. Such is the power of love in gentle mind that it can alter all the course of kind. End of section 10 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 11 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer. This Liebervox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet's 31, 32, and 33. Sonnet 31. Ah, why have nature to so hard a heart given so goodly gifts of beauty's grace,

36:31whose pride depraves each other better part and all those precious ornaments deface, sith to all other beasts of bloody race, a dreadful countenance she given had, that with their terror all the rest may chase and warn to shun the danger of their wrath. But my proud one does work the greater scath through sweet allorment of her lovely hue, that she the better may and bloody bath of such poor thralls her cruel hands in brew. But did she know how ill these two accord, such cruelty she would have soon abhorred? 3. Sonnet 32. The painful smith with force of fervent heat, the hardest iron sooned of malify, that with his heavy sledge she can it beat and fashion to whaty it list apply.

37:35Yet cannot all these flames in which I fry her heart more hard than iron soft to wit. May all the plants and prayers with which I do beat on the evil of her stubborn wit, but still the more she fervent sees my fit, the more she freeseth in her willful pride, and harder grows the harder she has smith with all the plates which to her be applied. What then remains but I to ashes burn and she to stones at length all frozen turn. 3. Sonnet 33. Great wrong I do, I can it not deny to that most sacred empress by dear dread not finishing her queen of fairy that mote enlarge her living praises dead. But, Ludwig, this of grace to

38:38be a red, do ye not think the accomplishment of it sufficient work for one man's simple head, all were it as the rest but rudely writ. How then should I without another wit, think ever to endure so tedious toil since that this one is tossed with treblous fit of a proud love, but thou my spirit spoil. Seize then till sheve out safe to grant me rest, her lend you me another living breast. End of section 11 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 12 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, this Librevox recording is in the public domain,

39:39recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 34, 35 and 36. Sonnet 34. Like a ship that through the ocean wide by conduct of some star to make her way, when as a storm hath dimmed her trusty guide out of her coarse death wander far astray. So I, who star that want with her bright ray me to direct, with clouds is overcast, do wander now in darkness and dismay, through hidden perils round about me plastic. Yet hope I well that when this storm is past, my hail assay the load star of my life, will shine again and look on me at last with lovely light to clear my cloudy grief. Till then I wander, careful, comfortless, in secret sorrow and sad pensiveness.

40:47Sonnet 35. My hungry eyes, through greedy covet eyes, still to behold the object of their pain, with no contentment can themselves suffice, but having pine and having not complain. For lacking it they cannot life sustain, and having it they gaze on it the more, in their amazement like Narcissus vein, whose eyes him starved. So plenty makes me poor. Yet our mine eyes so filled with the store of that fair sight that nothing else they brook but loath the things which they did like before, and can no more endure on them to look. All this world's glory seemeth vain to me, and all their shows but shadows saving she.

41:54Sonnet 36. Tell me when shall these weary woes have end, or shall their ruthless torment never cease, but all my days and pining langer spend without hope of a swagement or release. Is there no means for me to purchase peace, or make agreement with her thrilling eyes, but that their cruelty does still increase and daily more augment my miseries? But when you have showed all extremities, then think how little glory you have gained, by slaying him whose life though ye despise, moat have your life in honor long maintained. But by his death, which some perhaps will moan, ye shall condemn thee of many a one.

42:56End of Section 12 of Amoretti by Edmund Spencer, this LeBravak's recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 37. 38. 39. Sonnet 37. What to guile is this, that those her golden trusses she does that hire under a net of gold, and with sly skill so cunningly them dresses, that which is gold or hair may scarce be told. Is it that men's frail eyes which gaze too bold she may entangle in that golden snare, and being caught may craftily enfold their weaker hearts which are not well aware?

44:02Take heed therefore my eyes how ye do stare henceforth to rashly on that guileful net, in which if ever ye entrapid are, out of her bans ye by no means shall get. Fondness it were for any being free to covet fetters, though they golden be. Sonnet 38. A rion went through tempest screw-o rack, he forth was thrown into the greedy seas, through the sweet music which his harp did make, allured a dolphin him from death to ease. But my rude music which was won't to please some dainty ears, cannot with any skill, the dreadful tempest of her wrath appease, nor move the dolphin from her stubborn will. But in her pride she does persever still, all careless how my life for her decays.

45:10Yet with one word she can it save or spill, to spill were pity but to save or praise. Choose rather to be praised for doing good than to be blamed for spilling guiltless blood. Sonnet 39. Sweet smile the daughter of the queen of love, expressing all thy mother's powerful art, with which she wants to temper angry jove, when all the gods he threats with thundering dart. Sweet is thy virtue, as thyself sweet art, for when on me thou shinets late in sadness, a melting pleasant shrank through every part, and me revived with heart-robing gladness. Whilst wrapped with joy resembling heavenly madness,

46:10my soul was ravished quite as in a trance, and feeling then snow more her sorrow's sadness, fed on the fullness of that cheerful glance. More sweet than nectar or embrosial meat seemed every bit, which then swarthed I did eat. End of Section 13 of Amoretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 14 of Amoretti by Edmund Spencer, Miss Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet's 40, 41, and 42. Sonnet 40. Mark when she smiles with amiable cheer, and tell me where to candy-like in it,

47:13when on each eyelid sweetly do appear a hundred graces as in shade to sit. Likeest it seemed in my simple wit, unto the fair sunshine in summer's day, that when a dreadful storm away is flit, through the broad world thus spread his goodly ray, that sight were of each bird that sits on spray, and every beast that to his den was fled, comes forth a fresh out of their late dismay, and to the light lift up their drooping head. So my storm beat and heart likewise is cheered with that sunshine when cloudy looks. Are cleared. Sonnet 41. Is it her nature, or is it her will, to be so cruel to enhumbled foe? If nature, then she may it mend with skill. If will, then she at will may will forego.

48:21But if her nature and her will be so, that she will plague the man that loves her most, and take delight to increase a wretch's woe, then all her nature's goodly gifts are lost, and that same glorious beauty's idle boast is but a bait such wretch's to be guile. As being long in her love's tempest tossed, she means at last to make her pitiest spoil. A fairest fair let never it be named, that so fair beauty was so foully shamed. Sonnet 42. The love which me so cruelly tormenteth, so pleasing is in my extremist pain, that all the more my sorrow it augmenteth, the more I love and do embrace my pain.

49:27Me do I wish, for wishing were but then, to be a quit from my continual smart, but joy her thrall forever to remain, and yield for pledge my poor captive heart. The witch that it from her may never start let her, if pleased her, bind with adamant chain, and from all wandering loves which moat pervert, his safe assurance strongly it restrain. Only let her abstain from cruelty, and do me not before my time to die. End of section 14 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 15 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer. This Libravox recording is in the public domain,

50:32recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 43, 44, and 45. Sonnet 43. Shall I then silent be, or shall I speak, and if I speak her wrath re-new I shall, and if I silent be, my heart will break or choke it be with overflowing gall. What tyranny is this both my heart to thrall, and ik my tongue with proud restraint to tie, that neither I may speak nor think at all, but like a stupid stock in silence die. Yet I my heart with silence secretly will teach to speak, and my just cause to plead, and ik mine eyes with me humility love learned letters to her eyes to read,

51:33which her deep wit, that true hearts thought can spell, will soon conceive and learn to construe well. Sonnet 44. When those re-known at noble peers of Greece, through stubborn pride amongst themselves did jar, forgetful of the famous golden fleece, then orpheus with his harp their strife did bar. But this continual cruel civil war, the which myself against myself do make, whilst my weak powers of passions worried are, no skill can stent, nor reason can a slake. But when in hand my tuneless harp I take, then do I more augment my foes despite, and grief-free new and passions do awake to battle,

52:33fresh against myself to fight, amongst whom the more I seek to settle peace, the more I find their malice to increase. Sonnet 45. Leave, lady, in your glass of crystal clean, your goodly self forevermore to view, and in myself, my inward self I mean, most lively like behold your semblance true. Within my heart, though hardly it can show things so divine to view of earthly eye, the fair idea of your celestial hue, and every part remains immortal. And were it not that through your cruelty, with sorrow dimmed and deformed it were, the goodly image of your visonymy clearer than crystal

53:34would therein appear. But if yourself in me ye plain will see, remove the cause by which your fair beams darkened be. End of Section 15 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, Recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 16 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, this Libravox recording is in the public domain, Recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 46. 47. 48. Sonnet 46. When my abodes prefix in time is spent, my cruel fair straight bids me wind my way. But then from heaven most hideous storms are sent, as willing me against her will to stay. Whom then shall I, or heaven or her obey?

54:42The heavens know best what is the best for me, but as she will, whose will my life does sway, my lower heaven, so it perforce must be. But the high heavens that all this sorrow see, so that all your tempests cannot hold me back, as wage your storms, or else both you and she will both together me to sorely rack. Enough it is for one man to sustain the storms with she alone on mead of the rain. Sonnet 47. Trust not the treason of those smiling looks until you have their gailful trains well-tried. For they are like but unto gold and hooks that from the foolish fish their baits do hide. So she, with flattering smiles, weak heart-stuff

55:44guide unto her love, and tempt to thirty-k. Whom being caught she kills with cruel pride and feeds at pleasure on the wretched prey. Yet even whilst her bloody hands them slay, her eyes look lovely and upon them smile, that they take pleasure in her cruel play, and dying do themselves a pain begyle. Oh mighty charm which makes men love their bane, and think they die with pleasure, live with pain. Sonnet 48. Innocent paper whom two cruel hand did make them matter to avenge her eye, and air she could die cause well understand, did sacrifice unto the greedy fire. Well worthy thou to have found better

56:45higher than so bad end for heretics ordained. Yet heresy nor treason did conspire, but clead thy master's cause unjustly pained. Whom she, all careless of his grief, constrained to utter forth the anguish of his heart, and would not hear when he to her complained the pittiest passion of his dying smart. Yet live forever though against her will, and speak her good, though she requite it ill. End of section 16 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 17 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, this Liebervox recording is in the public domain,

57:46recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 49. 50. 51. Sonnet 49. Fair cruel, why are you so fierce said cruel? Is it because your eyes have power to kill? Then know that mercy is the mightiest jewel, and greater glory think to save, then spill. But if it be your pleasure and proud will to show the power of your imperial size, then not on him that never thought you ill, but bend your force against your enemies. Let them feel the utmost of your cruelties, and kill with looks, as cockatrices do. But him that at your footstool humbled lies with the merciful regard give mercy to.

58:46Such mercy shall you make admired to be, so shall you live by giving life to me. Sonnet 50. Long languishing in double-malady of my heart's wound and of my body's grief, there came to me a leech that would apply fit medicines for my body's best relief. Vain, man, quote thy that hast but little brief and deep discovery of the mind's disease, is not the heart of all the body chief, and rules the members as itself to the pleas. Then with some cordial seek first to appease the inward langer of my wounded heart, and then my body shall have shortly ease. But such sweet cordials pass, physicians art. Then my life's leech do you your skill reveal, and with one sav both heart and body

59:57heal. Sonnet 51. Do I not see that fairest images of hardest marble are of purpose made, for that they should endure through many ages, may let their famous monuments to fade. Why then do I, untrained in lover's trade, her hardness blame, which I should more commend? Zeth never ought was excellent as said which was not hard to achieve and bring to end. May ought so hard but he that would attend both soften it and to his will allure. So do I hope her stubborn heart to bend, and that it then more steadfast will endure. Only my pains will be the more to get her, but having her my joy will be the greater.

1:01:01End of section 17 of Amoretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio section 18 of Amoretti by Edmund Spencer. This Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 52, 53, and 54. Sonnet 52. So often as homeward I from her depart, I go like one that having lost the field, is prisoner led away with heavy heart, dispoiled of warlike arms and no enshealed. So do I now myself a prisoner yield to sorrow and to solitary pain, from presence of my dearest dear exiled, long while alone, in anger to remain.

1:02:07There let no thought of joy or pleasure vain dare to approach, but may my solace breed, but sudden dumps and weary sad disdain, of all the world's gladness, more my torment feed. So I, her absence, will my penance make, that of her presence, I my need may take. Sonnet 53. The panther, knowing that his spotted hide does please all beasts, but that his looks them prey, with an abush his dreadful head of hide to let them gaze, whilst he on them may prey. Right, so my cruel fair with me to the play, or with the goodly semblance of her hue, she doth allure me to my own decay, and then no mercy will unto me show. Great shame it is, thing so divine in view,

1:03:13made for to be the world's most ornament, to make the bait her gaisers to embrue, good shames to be so ill and instrument. But mercy doth with beauty best degree, as in their maker ye the best may see. Sonnet 54. Of this world's theater in which we stay, my love, like the spectator, idly sits, beholding me that all the pageants play, disguising diversely by troubled wits. Sometimes I joy when glad occasion fits and a mask in mirth like to a comedy. Soon after, when my joy to sorrow flits, I will and make my woes a tragedy. Yet she, beholding me with constant eye, delights not in my mirth nor ruse my smart,

1:04:17but when I laugh she mocks and when I cry she laughs and hardens ever more her heart. What then can move her? If nor mirth nor mone, she is no woman but a senseless stone. End of section 18 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 19 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer. This Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet's number 55, 56, and 57. Sonnet 55. So oft as I her beauty to behold, and therewith do her cruelty compare, high marvel of what substance was the mold the which her made at once so cruel fair.

1:05:24Not earth for her high thoughts more heavenly are. Not water for her love does burn like fire. Not air for she is not so light or rare. Not fire for she does freeze with faint desire. Then needs another element in choir where love she moat be made. That is the sky. For to the heaven her hotty looks as fire and eke her mind is pure immortal high. Then Sith to heaven you likened are the best. Be like in mercy as in all the rest. Sonnet 56. Fair ebe sure, but cruel and unkind as is a tiger that with greediness hunts after blood when he by chance to find a feeble beast that fellly him oppress.

1:06:30Fair ebe sure, but proud and pitiless as is a storm that all things does prostrate, finding a tree alone all comfortless beats on it strongly it to ruin it. Fair ebe sure, but hard and obstinate as is a rock amidst the raging floods ganced which a ship of succour desolate does suffer wreck both of herself and goods. That ship, that tree and that same beast, am I whom ye do wreck do ruin and destroy. Sonnet 57. Sweet warrior, when shall I have peace with you? High time it is this war now ended where which I no longer can endure to sue, now your incessant battery more to bear.

1:07:36So weak my powers so sore my wounds appear that wonder is how I should live a jot, seeing my heart through launched everywhere with thousand arrows which your eyes have shot. Yet shoot ye sharply still and spare me not, but glory think to make these cruel stores. Ye cruel one, what glory can be got in slaying him that would live gladly yours. Make peace therefore and grant me timely grace that all my wounds will heal in little space. End of section 19 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 20 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, this Librivox recording is in the public domain,

1:08:43recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 58, 59 and 60. Sonnet 58 by her that is most assured to herself. Weak is the assurance that weak flesh reposeth in her own power and scorneth others aid, that soonest falls when as she most supposeth herself assured and is of not afraid. All flesh is frail and all her strength unsteady like a vain bubble blown up with air. Devouring time and changeful chance have prayed her glory's pride that none may it repair. None so rich or wise so strong or fair but faileth, trusting on his own assurance, and he that standeth on the highest stair falls lowest, for on earth not have endurance.

1:09:48Why then do ye proud fair misdeem so far that to yourself ye most assured are? Sonnet 59, thrice happy she that is so well assured unto herself and settled so in heart that neither will for better be allured, may feared with worse to any chance to start. But like a steady ship that strongly part the raging waves and keeps her course awry. N'aut pour tempest n'ath from it depart n'aut pour fairer weather's false delight. Such self assurance need not fear the spite of grudging foes near favor seek of friends, but in the stay of her own steadfast might, neither to one herself nor other bens. Most happy she that most assured to doth rest, but he most happy who such one loves best.

1:11:00Sonnet 60, they that in course of heavenly spheres are skilled to every planet point his sundry year in which her circles voyage is fulfilled, as Mars in three score years doth run his sphere. So since the winged god his planet clear began in me to move, one year is spent, the witch doth longer unto me appear than all those forty which my life outwent. Then by that count which lovers books invent the sphere of cupid forty years contains, which I have wasted in long languishment that seemed the longer for my greater pains. But let me love spare planet short her ways this year ensuing, or else short my days. End of section twenty of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer,

1:12:05recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section twenty one of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, this Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 61, 62, and 63. Sonnet 61. The glorious image of the maker's beauty, my sovereign saint, the idol of my thought, dare not henceforth above the bounds of duty to queues a pride or rashly blame for ought. For being as she is divinely wrought, and of the brood of angels heavenly born, and with the crew a blessed saint's upwrought, each of which did her with their gifts adorn. The butt of joy, the blossom of the mourn, the beam of light whom mortal eyes admire.

1:13:10What reason is it then, but she should scorn based things that to her love too bold as fire. Such heavenly forms ought rather worshiped be, than dare be loved by men of mean degree. Sonnet 62. The weary year his race now having run, the new begins his compassed course anew, with show of mourning mild he hath begun, be tokening peace and plenty to ensue. So let us, which this change of weather-view, change each hour minds and former lives amend. The old year's sins forepassed, let us, ashtew, and fly the faults with which we did offend. Then shall the new year's joy forthfreshly send into the glooming world his gladsome ray,

1:14:15and all these storms which now his beauty blend shall turn to calms and timely clear away. So likewise love cheer you your heavy sprite, and change old year's anoy to new delight. Sonnet 63. After long storms and tempests sad assay, which hardly I endured here to for, in dread of death and dangerous dismay, with which my silly bark was tossing sore. I do at length describe a happy shore in which I hope air long for to arrive. Fair soil it seems from far and fraught with store of all that dear and dainty is alive. Most happy he that cannot last achieve the joyous safety of so sweet arrest, whose least delights suffice

1:15:20at to deprive remembrance of all pains which him oppressed. All pains are nothing in respect of this, all sorrow short, that gain eternal bliss. And of section 21 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 22 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer. The sleep revocs recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 64, 65, and 66. Sonnet 64. Coming to kiss her lips, such grace I found, me seemed I smelled a garden of sweet flowers, that dainty odors from them through around,

1:16:24for damsels fit to deck their lovers' bowers. Her lips did smell like unto gilly flowers, her ready cheeks like unto roses red, her snowy brows like budded belamores, her lovely eyes like pinks but newly spread. Her goodly bosom like a strawberry bed, her neck like to a bunch of column-bines, her breast like lilies air their leaves be shed, her nipples like young blossomed jasmine's, such fragrant flowers to give most odorous smell, but her sweet odor did them all excel. Sonnet 65. The doubt which you misdeem fair love is vain, that fondly fear to lose your liberty, when losing one, two liberties you gain,

1:17:26and make him bond that bondage-earst did fly. Sweet be the bands the which true love doth tie, without constraint or dread of any ill. The gentle bird feels no captivity within her cage, but sings and feeds her fill. Their pride dare not approach, nor discord spill the league twix them that loyal love have bound, but simple truth and mutual goodwill seeks with sweet peace to sav each other's wound. Their faith doth fearless dwell in brazen tower, and spotless pleasure builds her sacred power. Sonnet 66. To all those happy blessings which you have, with plantious hand by heaven upon you throne, this one disparagement they to you gave, that ye your love lent to so mean a one,

1:18:36yet whose high worth surpassing Paragon could not on earth have found one fit for mate, near but in heaven matchable to none. Why did ye stoop unto so lowly state? But ye thereby much greater glory gate than had ye sorted with the prince's pier, for now your light doth more itself dilate, and in my darkness greater doth appear. Yet since your light have once enlumend me, with my reflex yours shall increase it be. End of section 22 of Amoretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio section 23 of Amoretti by Edmund Spencer, this Libravox recording is in the public domain,

1:19:41recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 67, 68, and 69. Sonnet 67. Like as a huntsman after weary chase seeing the game from him escaped away, sits down to rest him in some shady place, with panting hounds beguiled of their prey. So, after long pursuit and vain assay, when I all weary had the chase forsook, the gentle deer returned the self-same way, thinking to quench her thirst at the next brook. There she be holding me with milder look, sought not to fly, but fearless still did byd till I inhand her yet-haft trembling took, and with her own goodwill her firmly tied. Strange thing, me seemed, to see a beast so wild, so goodly one with her own will beguiled.

1:20:50Sonnet 68. Most glorious Lord of life that on this day didst make thy triumph over death and sin, and having herald hell didst bring away captivity thence captive us to win. This joyous day, dear Lord, with joy began, and grant that we for whom thou didst die, being with thy dear blood a clean wash from sin, may live forever in felicity, and that thy love we weighing worthily may likewise love thee for the same again, and forth thy sake that all like deer didst by, with love may one another entertain. So let us love dear love like as we ought. Love is the lesson which the Lord us taught.

1:21:56Sonnet 69. The famous warriors of the antique world used trophies to erect and stately wise, in which they would the records have enrolled of their great deeds and valorous emprase. What trophy then shall I most fit devise, in which I may record the memory of my love's conquest, pureless beauty's prize adorned with honor, love, and chastity? Even this first vowed to eternity shall be thereof immortal monument, and tell her praise to all posterity that may admire such worlds rare wonderment. The happy purchase of my glorious spoil got in at last with labor and long toil. End of section 23 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer,

1:22:59recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 24 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer. This labor box recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet's 70, 71, and 72. Sonnet's 70. Fresh Spring, the herald of love's mighty king, in whose coat armor richly are displayed all sorts of flowers, the witch on earth to spring, in goodly colors gloriously arrayed. Go to my love, where she is careless laid, yet in her winter's bower not well awake. Tell her the joyous time will not be stayed unless she do him by the forlok take. Be it her therefore herself soon ready make to wait on love amongst his lovely crew.

1:24:05Where everyone that misseth then her make shall be by him immersed with penance do. Make haste therefore sweet love whilst it is prime, for none can call again the pasted time. Sonnet's 71. I joy to see how in your drawn work yourself onto the bee you do compare, and me unto the spider that the lurk can close await to catch her unaware. Right so yourself were caught in cunning snare of a deer foe and thrulled to his love, in whose straight bans he now captive d'ar so firmly that he never may remove. But as your work is woven all above with woodbine flowers and fragrant egglentine,

1:25:05so sweet your prison you in time shall prove with many dear delights be decketed fine, and all then sporth eternal peace shall see between the spider and the gentle bee. Sonnet 72. Often my spirit does spread her bolder wings and mind to mount up to the pure sky. It down is weighed with thought of earthly things and clogged with burden of mortality. Where when that sovereign beauty it does spy resembling heaven's glory in her light, drawn with sweet pleasure's bait, it back to fly, and unto heaven forgets her former flight. There my frail fancy fed with full delight does bathen bliss and manteleth most at ease.

1:26:09There thinks of other heaven but how it might her heart's desire with most contentment please. Heart need not with none other happiness but here on earth to have such heavens bliss. End of Section 24 of Amoretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 25 of Amoretti by Edmund Spencer. This Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 73. 74. 75. Sonnet 73. Bein myself captive herein care, my heart whom none with servile bands can tie,

1:27:10but the fair trusses of your golden hair, breaking his prison forth to you, dove fly, like as a bird that in one's hand does spy desired food to it, of the biggest flight, even so my heart that won't on your fair eye to feed his fill flies back unto your sight. Do you him take and in your bosom bright gently engage that he may be your thrall? Perhaps he there may learn with rare delight to sing your name and praises overall, that it hereafter may you not repent him lodging in your bosom to have lent. Sonnet 74. Most happy letters framed by scuffle trade, with which that happy name was first defined,

1:28:10the which three times thrice happy have me made, with gifts of body, fortune, and of mind. The first by being to me gave by kind, from mother's womb derived by duty sent. The second is my sovereign queen most kind, that honor and large riches to me lent. The third, my love, my life's last ornament by whom my spirit out of dust was raised, to speak her praise and glory excellent of all alive most worthy to be praised. Ye three Elizabeth's forever live, that three such graces did unto me give. Sonnet 75. One day I wrote her name upon the strand, but came the waves and wash it it away.

1:29:13Again I wrote it with a second hand, but came the tide and made my pains his prey. They, man, said she that doest in vain as say immortal things so to immortalize, for I myself shall like to this decay and eke my name be wipe it out likewise. Not so, quote, I, let baser things devise to die in dust, but you shall live by fame. My verse, your virtues rare shall eternalize, and in the heavens write your glorious name, where when as death shall all the worlds subdue, our love shall live, and later life renew. End of section 25 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio.

1:30:18Section 26 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer. This Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 76. 77. And 78. Sonnet 76. Fair bosom fraught with virtue's richest treasure, the nest of love, the lodging of delight, the power of bliss, the paradise of pleasure, the sacred harbor of that heavenly sprite. How was I ravished with your lovely sight and my frail thoughts to rashly let astray, while stiving deep through amorous insight on the sweet spoil of beauty they did pray, and twixed her paps like early fruit in May whose harvest seemed to hasten now a pace.

1:31:19They loosely did their wanton wings display, and there to rest themselves did boldly place. Sweet thoughts I envy your so happy rest, which oft I wished, yet never was so blessed. Sonnet 77. Was it a dream, or did I see it plain, a goodly table of pure ivory, all spread with junkets fit to entertain the greatest prince with pompous loyalty? Amongst which there in a silver dish did lie, two golden apples of unvalued price, far passing those which hercules came by, or those which Atalanta did entice, exceeding sweet, yet void of sinful vice,

1:32:21that many sought, yet none could ever taste. Sweet fruit a pleasure brought from paradise by love himself, and in his garden placed. Her breast that table was so richly spread, my thoughts the guests, which would thereon have fed. Sonnet 78. Lacking my love I go from place to place, like a young fawn that late have lost the hind, and seek each where, where last I saw her face, whose image I carry fresh in mind. I seek the fields with her late footing signed, I seek her bower with her late presence decked, yet nor in fields nor bower I hercan find, yet field and bower are full of her aspect.

1:33:27But when my eyes I thereon too direct, they idly back return to me again, and when I hope to see their true object, I find myself but fed with fancies vain. Seize then my eyes to seek herself to see, and let my thoughts behold herself in me. End of Section 26 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 27 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 79, 80, and 81. Sonnet 79.

1:34:28Men call you fair, and you do credit it, for that yourself ye daily such to see, but the true fair that is the gentle wit and virtuous mind is much more praised of me. For all the rest, however fair it be, shall turn to naught and lose that glorious hue, but only that is permanent and free from frail corruption that does flesh in sew. That is true beauty, that of argue you to be divine and born of heavenly seed, derived from that fair spirit from whom all true and perfect beauty did at first proceed. He only fair, and what he fair have made, all other fair, like flowers, untimely fade.

1:35:30Sonnet 80. After so long a race as I have run through fairyland, which those six books compile, give leave to rest me being half-fordone and gather to myself new breath a while. Then as a steed refreshed after toil, out of my prison I will break anew, and stoutly will that second work a soil with strong endeavor and attention do. Till then give leave to me in pleasant mew to sport my muse and sing my love sweet praise, the contemplation of whose heavenly hue my spirit to an higher pitch will raise. But let her praises yet be low and mean, fit for the hand-made of the fairy queen.

1:36:34Sonnet 81. Fair is my love when her fair golden hairs with a loose-wendy waving chance to mark, fair when the rose in her red cheeks appears, or in her eyes the fire of love does spark. Fair when her breast like a rich laden bark with precious merchandise she forth dovelay. Fair when that cloud of pride which oft dovetark her goodly light, with smiles she drives away. But fair as she, when so she does display the gate with pearls and rubies richly-dite, through which her words so wise do make their way to bear the message of her gentle sprite. The rest be works of nature's wonder-mat, but this the work of hearts astonishment.

1:37:36In section 27 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 28 of Amoreti by Edmund Spencer. This libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 82, 83, and 84. Sonnet 82. Joy of my life full-offed for loving you, I bless my lot that was so lucky placed. But then the more your own mishap I grew, that are so much by so mean love embased, for had the equal heavens so much you graced in this as in the rest, he must invent some heavenly wit whose first could have enchaste your glorious name in golden

1:38:42monument. But since he dain't so goodly to relent to me your thrall, in whom is little worth, that little that I am shall all be spent in setting your immortal praises forth, whose lofty argument uplifting me shall lift you up unto an high degree. Sonnet 83. My hungry eyes through greedy covet eyes still to behold the object of their pain with no contentment can themselves suffice, but having pine and having not complain. For lacking it they cannot life sustain, and seeing it they gaze on it the more, in their amazement like Narcissus Vain whose eyes hymn starved, so plenty makes me poor.

1:39:47Yet our mind eyes so filled with the store of that fair sight that nothing else they broke, but loath the things which they did like before, and can no more endure on them to look. All this world's glory seem at the vein to me, and all their shows but shadows, saving she. Sonnet 84. Let not one spark a filthy lustful fire break out that may her sacred piece molest. Near one light glance of sensual desire attempt to work her gentle minds unrest. But pure affections bred in spotless breast, and modest thoughts breathed from well-tempered sprites go visit her in her bow of rest accompanied with angelic delights.

1:40:49There fill yourself with those most joyous sights, the which myself could never yet attain, but speak no word to her of these sad plights which her two constant stiffness does constrain. Only behold her rare perfection, and bless your fortunes fair election. End of Section 28 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio. Section 29 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer. This Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet's 85, 86, and 87. Sonnet 85. The world that cannot deem of worthy things when I do praise her say I do but flatter.

1:41:57So does the cuckoo when the mava sings begin his witless note pace to flatter. But they that skill not of so heavenly matter all that they know not in thee or admire, rather than envy let them wonder at her. But not to deem of her dessert as fire. Deep in the closet of my parts entire her worth is written with a golden quill, that me with heavenly fury dove inspire and my glad mouth with her sweet praises fill. Which when as fame and her shrill trump shalt under let the world choose to envy or to wonder. Sonnet 86. Venomous tongue tipped with vile adders sting of that self kind with which the furies fell their

1:42:57sneaky heads do comb from which a spring of poisoned words and spiteful speeches well. Let all the plagues and horrid pains of hell upon the fall for thine accursed higher, that with false forge lies which doubt its tell. In my true love it stir up calls of iron. The sparks wear of let candle thine own fire and catching hold on my own wicked head consume thee quite that dizzed with guile conspire in my sweet peace such breaches to have bread. Shame be thy mead and mischief thy reward due to thyself that it for me prepared. Sonnet 87. Sonnet 87. Since I did leave the presence of my love many long weary days I have out worn,

1:43:59and many nights that slowly seem to move their sad protract from evening until mourn. For when as day the heaven doth adorn I wished that night the noyest day would end. And when as night have us of light for lorn I wished that day which shortly reassigned. Thus I the time with expectation spend and feign my grief with changes to be guile, that further seems his terms still to extend and to make of every minute seem a mile. So sorrow still doth seem too long to last, but joyous hours do fly away too fast. And of section 29 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio.

1:44:59Section 30 of Amaretti by Edmund Spencer. This Liebervox recording is in the public domain, recording by Leonard Wilson. Sonnet 88 and 89, and the untitled concluding poem of Amaretti. Sonnet 88. Since I have lacked the comfort of that night, the which was want to lead my thoughts astray, I wander as in darkness of the night, a parade of every danger's least dismay. May all I see, though in the clearest day, when others gaze upon their shadows vain, but only image of that heavenly ray, whereof some glance, though in my eye remain, of which beholding the idea plain through contemplation of my purest part.

1:46:02With light thereof I do myself sustain, and thereon feed my love a famished heart. But with such brightness whilst I fill my mind, I star my body, and my eyes do blind. Sonnet 89. Like as the culver on the barred bow sits morning for the absence of her mate, and in her songs sends many a wishful vow for his return that seems to linger late. So I alone now left disconsolate, mourn to myself the absence of my love, and wandering here and there all desolate, seek with my plates to match that mournful dove. The joy of ought that under heaven does hoth, can comfort me, but her own joyous sight,

1:47:03whose sweet aspect both God and man can move in her unspotted pleasant to delight. Dark is my day, while her fair light I miss, and dead my life that once such lively bliss. The concluding poem. In youth before I waxed it old, the blind boy Venus baby, for want of cunning, made me bold, in bitter hive to grow for honey. But when he saw me stung and cry, he took his wings at a weighted fly. As Diane hutted on a day, she chanced to come where cupidly his quiver by his head. One of his shafts she stole away, and one of hers did close convey into the other's stead. With that love wounded my love's heart, but Diane beasts with cupid start.

1:48:10I saw in secret to my name how little cupid humbly came and said to her, all hail my mother. But when he saw me laugh, for shame his face with bashful blood did flame, not knowing Venus from the other. Then never blush cupid, cuil thigh, for many have heard in this beauty. Upon a day as lovely sweetly slumbering, all in his mother's lap, a gentle bee with his loud trumpet to murmuring about him flew by hap, whereof when he was wakened with the noise and saw the beast so small, what's this quote he that gives so great a voice that wakens men with all? In angry wise he flies about and threatens all with courage stout. To whom his mother closely smiling said, to externalist and toxt game,

1:49:11see thou thy self likewise are little made if thou regard the same, and yet thou sufferst neither gods in sky nor men in earth to rest, but when thou art disposing cruily, their sleep thou dost bollest, then either change thy cruelty or give likely unto the fly. No, the less the cruel boy, not so content, would needs the fly pursue, and in his hand with heedless hearty bent him caught for to subdue. But when ony a teahasty hand did lay, the bee him stung therefore, now out alas he cried and well away, I wounded him full sore, the fly that I so much did scorn, hath hurt me with his little horn. On to his mother straight he weeping came, and of his grief complained, who could not choose but laugh at his fond game,

1:50:14though sad to see him pained. Think now, quote she, my son, how great the smart of those whom thou dost wound. Full many thou hast pricked to the heart that pity never found. Therefore henceforth some pity take without a spoil of lovers' make. She took him straight full pityously lamenting and wrapped him in her smock. She wrapped him softly all the while repenting that he the fly did mock. She dressed his wound and it embalmed well with saff of sovereign might, and then she bathed him in a dainty well, the well of dear delight, who would not oft be stung as this to be so bathed in venous bliss. The wanton boy was shortly well-recured of that his melody, but he soon after fresh again inured his former cruelty, and since that time he wounded hath myself with his sharp dart of love,

1:51:23and now forgets the cruel careless elf his mother's haste to prove. So now I languish till he pleased my pining anguish to appease. End of Section 30 and also end of Amorati by Edmund Spencer, recording by Leonard Wilson of Springfield, Ohio.