The Devonshire Manuscript/If that I cowlde in versis close

f. [63r] f. [63v]

1    If that {{th}+t+} I cowlde in versis close 2    {{th}+t+} {es} thowghtesthat in my hart be shett 3    hart so hard was newer {w+r+} yet 4    that vulde not pitie I suppose 5    vnhappy Eys1/ my Ioy I lose 6    by strokes {es} of love throw you so frett 7    that no defence / can make with {w+t+} sett 8    for nowght but sorow I can chose 9    syns that your sight so bright did shew 10    with {w+t+} in my hart by fiery gleames 11    as in a glas the sonny streames 12    suffise the then for as I trow / 13    of Right he may desir deth 14    that fyndith his foo / by frendly faith E K2

Notes & Glosses
1.   This spelling of "eyes" is unusual in the manuscript.

1.   Presumably, this refers to  Edmund Knyvett.

Commentary
Attributed to Edmund Knyvett (“E K”) in the manuscript, this poem was entered by H7 and explores the popular medieval trope of love at first sight (that is, the sight of a lady can strike the observer with instant love).