Edmund Spenser - Amoretti: Sonnet 49 lyrics

Fayre cruell, why are ye so fierce and cruell? Is it because your eyes have powre to k**? then know, that mercy is the mighties j**ell, and greater glory thinke to save, then spill. But if it be your pleasure and proud will to shew the powre of your imperious eyes: then not on him that never thought you ill, but bend your force against your enemyes. Let them feele th'utmost of your crueltyes, and k** with looks as co*katrices doo: but him that at your footstoole humbled lies, with mercifull regard, give mercy too. Such mercy shal you make admyred to be, so shall you live by giving life to me.