Sonnet LXXXVIII

Portrait of Edmund Spenser
Edmund Spenser 1552–1599

SInce I haue lackt the comfort of that light, The which was wont to lead my thoughts astray: I wander as in darkenesse of the night, affrayd of euery dangers least dismay. Ne ought I see, though in the clearest day, when others gaze vpon theyr shadowes vayne: but th'onely image of that heauenly ray, whereof some glance doth in mine eie remayne. Of which beholding th'Idaea playne, throgh contemplation of my purest part: with light thereof I doe my selfe sustayne, and thereon feed my loue-affamisht hart. But with such brightnesse whylest I fill my mind, I starue my body and mine eyes doe blynd.

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