| Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904. | | | | Laura—Part I. | | XXII. If in the midst of kindling burning fire | | Robert Tofte (1561–1620) |
| | | IF in the midst of kindling burning fire, | |
| That worthy Roman burnt his valiant hand; | |
| I like another MUTIUS in desire, | |
| Have scorched my fist likewise, through LOVE’s command, | |
| In freshest moisture; where my Lady sweet, | 5 |
| Her lily hands, for coolness, divèd oft. | |
| But though desire between us was alike; | |
| Yet was the matter diverse which we sought. | |
| He chose to burn his hand, with courage bold, | |
| In flaming fire; and I, in water cold. | 10 | | | |
|
|
