XLIX. I, on my horse; and Love on me, doth try

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

I, ON my horse; and LOVE on me, doth try

Our horsemanships: while by strange work I prove

A horseman to my horse, a horse to LOVE;

And now man’s wrongs in me poor beast! descry.

The reins wherewith my rider doth me tie

Are Humbled Thoughts, which bit of Reverence move;

Curbed in with Fear, but with gilt boss above

Of Hope, which makes it seem fair to the eye.

The wand is Will, thou Fancy saddle art,

Girt fast by Memory; and while I spur

My horse, he spurs with Sharp Desire my heart.

He sits me fast, however I do stir;

And now hath made me to his hand so right,

That in the menage myself takes delight.