69   [from Astrophil and Stella]

81

O kisse, which doest those ruddie gemmes impart,

Or gemmes, or frutes of new-found Paradise,

Breathing all blisse and sweetning to the heart,

Teaching dumbe lips a nobler exercise.

5        O kisse, which soules, even soûles together ties

By linkes of Love, and only Natures art:

How faine would I paint thee to all mens eyes,

Or of thy gifts at least shade out some part.

But she forbids, with blushing words, she sayes,

10            She builds her fame on higher seated praise;

But my heart burnes, I cannot silent be.

Then since (deare life) you faine would have me peace,

And I, mad with delight, want wit to cease,

Stop you my mouth with still still kissing me.