Sonnet upon a Stolen Kiss

Now gentle sleep hath closèd up those eyes Which, waking, kept my boldest thoughts in awe; And free access unto that sweet lip lies, From whence I long the rosy breath to draw. Methinks no wrong it were, if I should steal From those two melting rubies one poor kiss; None sees the theft that would the theft reveal, Nor rob I her of aught what she can miss: Nay, should I twenty kisses take away, There would be little sign I would do so; Why then should I this robbery delay? O, she may awake, and therewith angry grow! Well, if she do, I ’ll back restore that one, And twenty hundred thousand more for loan.

Collection:

English

1608

George Wither

Sub Title:

III. Love’s Beginnings

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