Sonet 28 Poem by William Alexander

Then whil'st that Lathmos did containe her blisse,
Chast Phœbe left her Church so much admir'd,
And when her brother from that bounds retir'd,
Would of the sleepie shepheard steale a kisse,
But to no greater grace I craue to clime,
Then of my goddesse whiles whil'st she reposes,
That I might kisse the stil-selfekissing roses,
And steale of her that which was stolne of him;
And though I know that this would onely proue,
A maim'd delight, whereof th'one halfe would want,
Yet whil'st the light did Morpheus power supplant:
If that my theft did her displeasure moue,
I render would all that I rob'd againe,
And for each kisse I take would giue her twaine.