There is a collision of cognition and action in the field of love in England in the 17th century. The paper, by taking John Donne, the representative of England metaphysical poet as an example, analyzes that on the one hand John Donne expresses his conception of deep and faithful love, on the other hand he is bold enough to expose the phenomenon of the sale of love in his times, speaks out multiplicity in obtaining love, and tartly criticizes the faithlessness of women. His behavior has fallen into a paradox of cognition and action, which seems to be irrational but exposes the evil aspects of the society. Thus, in this way, it helps us to understand the inherent weakness of the marriage system of the Elizabeth era.