University of Virginia Library


103

Sonnet. The Protestation.

1

First stones shall races upward run,
Scots forget craft, and Avarice Jewes;
The Needle its dear North shall shun,
And Impudence the publique Stewes;
First supple flattery Nero's Court shall flee,
E're I cease thee to Love, and only Thee.

6

If any object to mine eye
Seems fair, but what in thee is found;
If my dull ear hears melody
Besides thy voice in any sound;
If my abused taste its art should misse,
And relish ought besides thy balmy kisse;

4

If my false touch should think it hath
Felt any thing smooth or soft, but thee;
Or if my smell, besides thy Breath
Counts ought Perfume, or Nard to be;
May Titians Kites feast on me, whilst I see
My Rivall joy in and enjoying Thee.