In martial sports I had my cunning tried,

And yet to break more staves did me address:

While, with the people's shouts, I must confess,

Youth, luck, and praise, ev'n fill'd my veins with pride;

 

When Cupid having me his slave descried,

In Mars's livery, prancing in the press:

"What now, Sir Fool," said he; I would no less.

"Look here, I say." I look'd and Stella spied,

 

Who hard by made a window send forth light.

My heart then quak'd, then dazzled were mine eyes;

One hand forgot to rule, th'other to fight.

 

Nor trumpet's sound I heard, nor friendly cries;

My foe came on, and beat the air for me,

Till that her blush taught me my shame to see.

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