KISSING.

O kiss! which dost those ruddy gems impart,

Or gems, or fruits, of new found Paradise;

Breathing all bliss and sweet'ning to the heart;

Teaching dumb lips a nobler exercise.

O kiss! which souls, ev'n 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.

SIR P. SIDNEY.