Sonnet X. The sly Enchanter, when to work his will

Samuel Daniel (1562–1619)

[Not reprinted in Delia, Daniel’s authorised collection, 1592–4.]

THE SLY Enchanter, when to work his will

And secret wrong on some forespoken wight;

Frames wax in form to represent aright

The poor unwitting wretch he means to kill:

And pricks the image, framed by magic’s skill,

Whereby to vex the party day and night.

Like hath she done, whose show bewitched my sight

To beauty’s charms, her lover’s blood to spill.

For first, like wax she framed me by her eyes;

Whose “Nays!” sharp-pointed set upon my breast

Martyr my life; and plague me in this wise

With ling’ring pain to perish in unrest.

Nought could, save this, my sweetest fair suffice,

To try her art on him that loves her best.