Marywroth(1587–1651?)

Sonnet 1: "When night's black mantle could most darkness prove"

When night's black mantle could most darkness prove,

And sleep death's image did my senses hire 0

From knowledge of my self, then thoughts did move

Swifter than those most swiftness need require:

In sleep, a chariot drawn by wing'd desire

I saw: where sat bright Venus, queen of love,2

And at her feet her son,3 still adding fire

To burning hearts which she did hold above;

But one heart flaming more than all the rest

The goddess held, and put it to my breast;

"Dear son, now shut,4 said she: "thus must we win;

He her obeyed, and martyred my poor heart;

I, waking, hoped as dreams it5 would depart;

Yet since—O me—a lover I have been.