VII. As rocks become, exposed ’gainst waves and wind

Robert Tofte (1561–1620)

AS rocks become, exposed ’gainst waves and wind,

More hard; such is thy nature, stubborn Dame!

Opposed ’gainst waters of my plaints most kind;

And winds of mine hot sighs, which inward flame,

That hardness such to increase ’bout heart is found,

As to it, soft might seem the diamond.

Henceforward then, let no man think to move

By weeping or lamenting, to his will,

This self-willed Saint; which too too well I prove

A senseless stone to be unto me still.

Since, to my grief, from all good luck debarred;

With plaints and sighs, she doth become more hard.