Sonnet II. Soon as the azure-coloured Gates of th’East

Richard Linche (fl. 1596–1601)

SOON as the azure-coloured Gates of th’East

were set wide open by the watchful Morn,

I walked abroad, as having took no rest

(for nights are tedious to a man forlorn);

And viewing well each pearl-bedewèd flower,

then waxing dry by splendour of the sun:

All scarlet-hued I saw him ’gin to lower

and blush, as though some heinous act were done.

At this amazed, I hied me home amain,

thinking that I, his anger causèd had.

And at his set, abroad I walked again;

when, lo, the moon looked wondrous pale and sad.

Anger, the one; and envy moved the other,

To see my Love more fair than LOVE’s fair mother.