Sonnet V. The little Archer viewing well my Love

Richard Linche (fl. 1596–1601)

THE LITTLE Archer viewing well my Love,

stone-still amazed, admirèd such a sight;

And swore he knew none such to dwell above:

though many fair; none, so conspicuous bright!

With that enraged, flamigerous as he is,

he now ’gan loathe his PSYCHE’s lovely face;

And swore great oaths, “to rob me of my bliss,”

saying that “earth for her, was too too base!”

But CYTHEREA checked her lordly son,

commanding him to bring no giglet thither!

Fearing indeed, her amorous sports were done

with hotspur MARS, if he should once but see her.

If then her beauty move the gods above;

Let all men judge, if I have cause to love!