Sonnet I: Unto the Boundless Ocean

Unto the boundless Ocean of thy beauty

Runs this poor river, charg'd with streams of zeal:

Returning thee the tribute of my duty,

Which here my love, my youth, my plaints reveal.

Here I unclasp the book of my charg'd soul,

Where I have cast th'accounts of all my care:

Here have I summ'd my sighs, here I enroll

How they were spent for thee; look what they are.

Look on the dear expences of my youth,

And see how just I reckon with thine eyes:

Examine well they beauty in my truth,

And cross my cares ere greater sums arise.

Read it, sweet maid, though it be done but slightly;

Who can show all his love, doth love but lightly.