Astrophil and Stella, Sonnet 81
O kiss, which dost those ruddy gems impart,
Or gems, or fruits of new-found Paradise,
Breathing all bliss, and sweetening to the heart,
Teaching dumb lips a nobler exercise;
O
kiss, which souls, even souls,
together ties
By links of love, and only nature’s art:
How fain would I paint thee to all men’s eyes,
Or of thy gifts at least shade out some part.
But she
forbids; with blushing
words, she says
She builds
her fame on higher-seated
praise;
But my heart burns, I cannot silent be.
Then since
(dear life) you fain
would have me peace,
And I, mad
with delight, want wit to
cease,
Stop you my mouth with still, still kissing me.