XVII. Prometheus, when first from heaven high

Sir Edward Dyer (1543–1607)

Sonnet by [Sir] E[DWARD]. D[YER].

PROMETHEUS, when first from heaven high,

He brought down fire, ere then on earth not seen;

Fond of delight, a Satyr, standing by,

Gave it a kiss, as it like sweet had been.

Feeling forthwith the other burning power,

Wood with the smart, with shouts and shrieking shrill,

He sought his ease in river, field, and bower;

But, for the time, his grief went with him still.

So, silly I, with that unwonted sight,

In human shape an Angel from above

Feeding mine eyes, the impression there did light;

That since, I run and rest as pleaseth love.

The difference is, the Satyr’s lips, my heart;

He, for a while; I evermore have smart.