Sonnet VIII. Like to a falcon watching for a flight

Richard Linche (fl. 1596–1601)

LIKE to a falcon watching for a flight,

duly attending his desirèd game;

Have I oft watched and marked to have a sight

of thy fair face, exceeding niggard Fame!

Thine eyes, those seminaries of my grief!

have been more gladsome to my tirèd sprite,

Than naked savages receive relief

by comfort-bearing warmth of PHŒBUS’ light.

But when each part so glorious I had seen;

I trembled more than Autumn’s parchèd leaves!

Mine eyes were greedy whirlpools sucking in

that heavenly Fair, which me of rest bereaves.

Then as thy Beauty thus hath conquered me,

Fair! let relenting Pity conquer thee!