Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
III. Loves BeginningsSonnet upon a Stolen Kiss
George Wither (15881667)N
Which, waking, kept my boldest thoughts in awe;
And free access unto that sweet lip lies,
From whence I long the rosy breath to draw.
Methinks no wrong it were, if I should steal
From those two melting rubies one poor kiss;
None sees the theft that would the theft reveal,
Nor rob I her of aught what she can miss:
Nay, should I twenty kisses take away,
There would be little sign I would do so;
Why then should I this robbery delay?
O, she may awake, and therewith angry grow!
Well, if she do, I ’ll back restore that one,
And twenty hundred thousand more for loan.