WHEREIN HE IS DAZED BY THE UNEXPECTED
PRESENCE OF HIS LADY

As Love in his accustomed quarters plied
His wiles, so I, aroused to threats of war,
Foreseeing all, guarding this cliff, that shore,
On the old armour of old thoughts relied;
Turning, I saw a shadow at my side
Cast by the sun, whose shape her beauty wore —
Hers, by my soul! (whom angels must adore,
Angels and all the heavenly host beside!)
And to my heart I whispered, why, then, fear?
But hardly had I dared the thought when bright
Burst the blue fires which still confuse my sight.
As thunders coiled up in the lightning's sphere
Flash first, so was I dazzled blind and mute
By her dear splendid eyes, her sweet salute.