Sonnet VII. Death, in a rage, assaulted once my heart

Giles Fletcher (1586?–1623)

DEATH, in a rage, assaulted once my heart

With love of her, my love that doth deny.

I scorned his force, and wished him to depart,

I heartless was, and therefore could not die.

I live in her. In her I placed my life.

She guides my soul, and her I honour must.

Nor is this life; but yet a living strife:

A thing unmeet, and yet a thing most just.

CUPID, enraged, did fly to make me love;

My heart lay guarded with those burning eyes,

The sparks whereof denied him to remove:

So conquered now, he like a captive lies.

Thus two at once by love are both undone:

My heart not loved; and armless VENUS’ son.