Sonnet XIV. When broad-faced rivers turn unto their fountains

Richard Linche (fl. 1596–1601)

WHEN broad-faced rivers turn unto their fountains

and hungry wolves devourèd are by sheep;

When marine dolphins play on snow-tipped mountains,

and foul-formed bears do in the ocean keep:

Then shall I leave to love, and cease to burn

in these hot flames, wherein I now delight!

But this I know, the rivers ne’er return,

nor silly sheep with ravening wolves dare fight,

Nor dolphins leave the seas, nor bears, the woods;

for Nature bids them all to keep their kind.

Then eyes, rain forth your over-swellèd floods,

till, drownèd in such seas, may make you blind!

Then, Heart’s Delight! sith I must love thee ever,

Love me again! and let thy love persèver!