Sonnet VII. When Love had first besieged my heart’s strong wall

Richard Linche (fl. 1596–1601)

[Cf. Barnes’ Parthenophil, and Percy’s Coelia.]

WHEN LOVE had first besieged my heart’s strong wall,

rampiered and countermured with Chastity,

And had with ordnance made his tops to fall

stooping their glory to his surquedry:

I called a parley, and withal did crave

some Composition, or some friendly Peace;

To this request, he, his consent soon gave,

as seeming glad such cruel wars should cease.

I, nought mistrusting, opened all the gates,

yea, lodged him in the palace of my heart:

When, he, in dead of night, he seeks his mates,

And shews each traitor how to play his part;

With that, they fired my heart! and thence ’gan fly!

Their names, Sweet Smiles, Fair Face, and Piercing Eye.