Sonnet IX. Love was laid down, all weary, fast asleep

Giles Fletcher (1586?–1623)

LOVE was laid down, all weary, fast asleep;

Whereas my Love his armour took away.

The boy awaked, and straight began to weep;

But stood amazed, and knew not what to say.

“Weep not, my boy,” said VENUS to her son,

“Thy weapons none can wield but thou alone.

LICIA the Fair, this harm to thee hath done;

I saw her here, and presently was gone.

She will restore them, for she hath no need

To take thy weapons, where thy valour lies.

For men to wound, the Fates have her decreed

With favour, hands, with beauty, and with eyes.”

No, VENUS, no! She scorns them, credit me!

But robbed thy son, that none might care for thee!