How disadvantaged has my place become
To gaze upon so fair as thee by chance
In utterance I’d find myself struck dumb
If thou should deem to cast a sideways glance
Yet all is not as glimpsed within first sight
As tresses cast foreshadow on sweet brow
Veiled pretence of existence bathed in light
Perchance thy fate’s been unobserved somehow
Dare I presumptive venture into fray
Enquiring of Milady’s wan outlook
Her escorts stance both bellicose and bray
Doth quickly turn to flight when brought to book
Unfeigned her joy released by one so bold
Tis pity she considers him ‘too old’