Sonnet XIV. When once I saw that no intreats would move her

William Percy (1575–1648)

WHEN once I saw that no intreats would move her;

All means I sought to be deliverèd:

Against white CUPID and his golden Mother,

In high contempt, base words I utterèd:

When both, from clouds of her bright firmament,

With heavy griefs and strong disdain surmounted,

Upon my thoughts and me, did shoot revengement,

Whilst in our highest prides we were amounted.

Nor be they pleased to give us all these wounds,

To make me languish as a dying liver:

But from her orbs they fling their firebrands.

Thereby to quite consume both heart and liver.

Pardon, dread Powers! pardon my rash offence!

By Heaven’s bright vail! ’twas ’gainst my conscience!