Sonnet XIX. That time, fair Licia, when I stole a kiss

Giles Fletcher (1586?–1623)

THAT time, fair Licia, when I stole a kiss

From off those lips where CUPID lovely laid,

I quaked for cold: and found the cause was this:

My Life which loved, for love behind me stayed.

I sent my Heart, my Life for to recall,

But that was held, not able to return:

And both detained, as captives were in thrall,

And judged by her, that both by sighs should burn.

Fair, burn them both! for that they were so bold;

But let the altar be within thy heart!

And I shall live, because my life you hold;

You that give life to every living part.

A flame I took when as I stole the kiss:

Take you my life! yet can I live with this.