XV. The dusky cloud in sky, with shadow dark

Robert Tofte (1561–1620)

THE DUSKY cloud in sky, with shadow dark,

Doth cover oft the sun’s most clearest light:

So as his beams we cannot see, nor mark;

And he himself doth play at least in sight.

Ah were I such a cloud on earth to cover

My sweetest Sun! as doth that cloud, the other.

But if that cloud do vanish soon away,

And doth as momentary pass and vade;

Eternal would I be to hide her aye,

And of a harder mixture would be made.

O happy I! O fortunate eclipse!

With kissing so to darken those fair lips.