The Sixth Decade. Sonnet III. A Carver, having loved too long in vain

Henry Constable (1562–1613)

A CARVER, having loved too long in vain,

Hewed out the portraiture of VENUS’ son

In marble rock, upon the which did rain

Small drizzling drops, that from a fount did run:

Imagining the drops would either wear

His fury out, or quench his living flame;

But when he saw it bootless did appear,

He swore the water did augment the same.

So I, that seek in verse to carve thee out,

Hoping thy beauty will my flame allay,

Viewing my verse and poems all throughout,

Find my will rather to my love obey.

That, with the Carver, I my work do blame,

Finding it still th’augmenter of my flame.