Sonnet LV. Nymphs, which in beauty mortal creatures stain

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

NYMPHS, which in beauty mortal creatures stain,

And Satyrs, which none but fair Nymphs behold;

They, to the Nymphs; and Nymphs to them, complain:

And each, in spite, my Mistress’ beauty told.

Till soundly sleeping in a myrtle grove,

A wanton Satyr had espied her there;

Who deeming she was dead, in all haste strove

To fetch the Nymphs; which in the forests were.

They flocking fast, in triumph of her death,

Lightly beheld: and, deeming she was dead,

Nymphs sang, and Satyrs dancèd out of breath.

Whilst Satyrs, with the Nymphs La Voltas led;

My Mistress did awake! Then, they which came

To scorn her beauty, ran away for shame!