Sonnet XXIX. When as my Licia sailèd in the seas

Giles Fletcher (1586?–1623)

WHEN as my LICIA sailèd in the seas,

Viewing with pride, god NEPTUNE’s stately crown,

A calm she made, and brought the merchant ease;

The storm she stayed, and checked him with a frown.

Love at the stern sat smiling, and did sing

To see how seas had learned for to obey;

And balls of fire into the waves did fling.

And still the boy, full wanton, thus did say:

“Both poles we burnt, whereon the world doth turn;

The round of heaven from earth unto the skies:

And now the seas, we both intend to burn;

I with my bow, and LICIA with her eyes.”

Then since thy force, heavens, earth, nor seas can move;

I conquered, yield: and do confess I love.