Astrophel and Stella-Sir Philip Sidney

0:001. Section 1 of Astrophel and Stella. This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org, read by Thomas Copeland. Astrophel and Stella by Sir Philip Sidney, poems 1-30. Loving in truth and feign in verse my love to show, the she, dear she, might take some pleasure of my pain, pleasure might cause a read, reading might make her know, knowledge might pity win and pity grace, subtaine. I sought fit words to paint the blackest face of woe, studying inventions fine, her wits twenty-tain, oft turning others leaves to see if thence would flow some fresh and fruitful showers upon my sunburned brain. What words came halting forth, wanting inventions stay?

1:00Invention, nature's child fled step-dame studies blows, and others feet still seem but strangers in my way. Thus great with child to speak and helpless in my throes, biting my true pen, beating myself a spite, fool, said my muse to me. Look in thy heart and write. Two. Not at the first sight, nor with a dribbled shot, love gave the wound which, while I breath, will bleed. But known worth did in mine of time proceed, till by degrees it had full conquest got. I saw and liked. I liked but lovoured not. I loved. But straight did not what loved decreed. At length the love's decrees I forced agreed. Yet with repining it so partial lot.

2:01Now, even that footstep of lost liberty is gone, and now, like slave-born musk ofite, I call it praise to suffer tyranny, and now employ the remnant of my wit to make myself believe that all is well, while with a feeling-skill I paint my hell. Three. Let dainty wits cry on the sister's nine, that bravely mask their fences may be told. Or pinders apes flaunt they in phrases fine and nameling with pide flowers, their thoughts of gold. Or else let them in stately or glory shine, enobling new found tropes with problems old, or with strange similes in rich each line of herbs or beasts which I and or africold. For me and sooth no musk but one I know, phrases and problems from my reach to grow, and

3:04strange things cost two deer from my poor sprites. Well, then, even thus, in Stella's face I read what love and beauty be, then all my deed but copying is what in her nature writes. Four. Virtue alas. Now let me take some rest. Thou sets a bait between my will and wit. If vain love have my simple soul oppressed, leave what thou likes not. You'll not thou with it. Thy scepter use in some old kato's breast, churches or schools, or for thy seat more fit. I do confess, part in a fault confess, my mouth to tender is for thy heart bit. But if that needs thou wilt, new zirping be the little reason that is left in me, and still the effect of thy persuasions prove, I swear my heart such one shall show to thee that shrines in flesh so true a deity that virtue thou thy self shall be in love.

4:12Five. It is most true that eyes are formed to serve the inward light, and that the heavenly part ought to be king, from whose rules, who diswerve, rebels to nature, strive for their own smart. It is most true, what we call cupids dart and images which for ourselves we carve and fools adore in temple of our heart till that good God make church and churchmen starve, true that true beauty virtue is indeed. Where of this beauty can be but a shade which elements with mortal mixture breed. True that on earth we orbit pilgrims made and should in soul up to our country move true and yet true that I must tell a love. Six. Some lovers speak when they their muses entertain of hopes begot by fear, of what not what desires,

5:15of force of heavenly beams infusing hellish pain, of living deaths, deer wounds, fair storms, and freezing fires. One his song in joe and joe strange tails attires, bordered with bulls and swans, powdered with golden rain. Another humbler wit to shepherd's pipe retires, yet hiding royal blood full often rural vain. To some a sweetest plain to sweetest style of fords, while tears pour out his ink and sighs breathe out his words, his paper pale despair and pain has bendeth move. I can speak what I feel and feel as much as they, but think that all the map of my state I display when trembling voice brings forth that I do stellar love. Seven. When nature made her chief work, Stella's eyes, in color black, why wrapped she beam so bright?

6:22Would she in be me black like painter wise frame daintiest luster, mixed of shades and light? Or did she else that sober hue devise, dint object best, dint to knit and strengthen our sight? Lest if no veil these brave gleams to disguise, they sun-like should more dazzle than delight. Or would she her miraculous power show that whereas black seems beauty's contrary, she even in black, doth make all beauties flow? Both so, and thus, she, minding love should be placed ever there, gave him this morning weed to honor all their deaths who for her bleed. Eight. Love, born in Greece, of late fled from his native place, forced by a tedious proof that Turkish hardened heart is not fit marked to pierce with his fine-pointed dart, and pleased

7:22with our soft peace, stayed here his flying race. But finding these north-climes too coldly him embrace, not used to frozen clips, he straved to find some part where, with most ease and warmth, he might employ his art. At length he perched himself in Stella's joyful face, whose fair skin, be me eyes like morning sun on snow, deceive the quaking boy, who thought, from so pure light, effects of lively heat must needs in nature grow. But she, most fair, most cold, made him then take his flight to my close heart, where, while some fire-brands he did lay, he bird unwares his wings, and cannot fly away. Nine. Queen Virtue's court, which some call Stella's face, prepared by nature's choicest furniture,

8:22with his front-bilt of alabaster pure. Gold is the covering of that stately place. The door, by which sometimes comes forth a grace, red porthor is, which lock a pearl makes sure. Whose porches rich, which name of cheeks endure, marble, mixed red and white to interlace. The windows now, through which this heavenly guest looks over the world, then can find nothing such which dare claim from those lights the name of best, of touch they are, that without touch do touch, which cupid self from beauty's mind to draw, of touch they are, and poor I am their straw. Ten. Reason and faith thou art well served, that still would's braabbling be with sense and love in me. I rather wish to decline the muse's hill, or reach the fruit of nature's choicest tree, or seek heaven's course or heavens inside to see.

9:25Why should stout toil our thorny sorrows atill? Leave sense and those which sense as objects be, deal thou with powers of thoughts, leave love to will. But thou would's needs fight both with love and sense, with sort of wit giving wounds of dispraise till downright blows did foil thy cunning fence. For soon as they strike thee with stela's of rays, reason thou kneelsed, and offered straight to prove by reason good, good reason her to love. Eleven. In truth thou love with what a boyish kind thou dost proceed in thy most serious ways. But when the heaven to thee is best displays, yet of that best thou leaves the best behind. For like a child that some fair book doth find, with gilded leaves or colored vellum plays, or at the most on some fine picture-stays, but never heads the fruit of writer's mind.

10:29So when thou sawst in nature's cabinet stela, thou straight looks to babies in her eyes, in her cheeks pit thou didst thy pitfold set, and in her breast bow peep or couching lies, playing and shining in each outward part, but fool seeks not to get into her heart. Twelve. Cupid, because thou shined stela's eyes, that from her locks thy daynets, nuns capes free, that those lips swell so full of love they be, that her sweet breath makes off thy flames to rise, that in her breast thy pap-well-sugared lies, that her grace, gracious, makes thy wrongs, that she what words where she speak persuades for thee, that her clear voice lifts thy fame to the skies, thou countest stela thine, like those whose powers having got have a breach

11:32by fighting well, cry victory, this fair day all is ours? Oh, no, her heart is such a citadel, so fortified with wit, stored with disdain, that to win it is all the skill and pain. Thirteen. Phoebus was judged between Joe, Mars, and Love, of those three gods whose arms the fairest were. Whose golden shield did eagle sables bare, whose talents held young Ganymed above. But in vet field Mars bear a golden spear which through a bleeding heart has pointed shove. Each had his crest, Mars carried Venus' glove, Joe, on his helm, the thunderbolt did rear. Cupid then smiles, for on his crest the lies stela's fair hair, her face he makes his shield, where roses, jewels are born in silver field.

12:34Phoebus drew wide the curtains of the skies to blaze these last, and swear devoutly then the first, thus matched, for scantly gentleman. Fourteen. Alas, have I not pain enough, my friend, upon whose breast a fiercer gripped with tire than did on him who first stale down the fire? Why love on me, death, all his quiver spend! But with your rhubarb word you must contend to grieve me worse, in saying that desire to plunge my well-formed soul even in the mire of sinful thoughts which do in ruin end. If that be sin which death the manners frame, well-stayed with truth in word and faith of deed, ready of wit and fearing not but shame, if that be sin which in fixed hearts to thbreed a loathing of all loose unchastity, then love is sin. And let me sinful be.

13:37Fifteen. You that do search for every purling spring which from the ribs of old parnassus flows, and every flower, not sweet perhaps, which grows near thereabouts into your posy ring, either do dictionaries method bring into your rhymes, running in rattling rows? You that poor petrarchs long deceised woes with newborn size and denizen wit, do sing? You take wrong ways. Those farfetched helps be such as to be rare want of inward touch, and sure at length stone goods do come to light. But if both for your love and skill your name you seek to nurse at fullest breasts of fame, still I'll behold, and then begin to indict. Sixteen. In nature apt to like, when I did see beauties which were of many carrots fine, my boiling

14:38sprites did dither soon in cline, and love I thought that I was full of thee. But finding not those restless flames in me which others said did make their souls to pine I thought those babes of some pins hurt did wine by my soul judging what loves pain might be. But while I thus with this young lion played, my eyes shall I say cursed or blessed? Beheld Stella. Now she is named, Dean Morby said, in her sight I a lesson you have spelled. I now have learned love right, and learned even so as who being poison a death poison know. Seventeen. His mother dear cupid offended late, because that Mars, grown slacker in her love, with trickling shot he did not truly move to keep the place of their first loving state. The boy refused, for fear of Mars's hate, who threatened stripes if he as wrath did

15:42prove. But she in chaff him from her lap did shove, break bow, break shafts while cupid weeping saint, till that his grand-am nature pitting it of Stella's brows made him to better pose, and in her eyes of arrows infinite. People how for joy he leaps, oh how he crows, and straight therewith like wags new got to play, falls to shrewd turns, and I was in his way. Eighteen. With what sharp checks I in myself am shent, went into reasons ordered I to go, and by just counts myself a bank-rout no of all those goods which heaven to me hath lent. Unable quite to pay even nature's rent which undo it by birthright I do owe, and which is worse. No good excuse can show but that my wealth I have most idly spent.

16:43My youth doth waste, my knowledge brings forth toys, my wit doth strive those passions to defend which for reward spoil it with vain a noise. I see my course to lose myself doth bend. I see. And yet no greater sorrow take than that I lose no more for Stella's sake. Nineteen. On Cupid's bow how are my heartstrings bent that see my rack and yet embrace the same. When most I glory then I feel most shame. I willing run yet while I run repent. My best wits still their own disgrace invent. My very ink turned straight to Stella's name and yet my words, as them my pen doth frame, avise themselves that they are vainly spent. For though she pass all things, yet what is all that unto me, who fair like him that

17:43both looks to the skies and in a ditch to thaw. O let me prop my mind, yet in his growth, and not in nature for best fruits unfit. Call her, Sethelove, bend here the word your wit. Twenty. Fly! Fly my friends! I am a dothun, fly! See there that boy, that murdering boy I say who like a thief hid in dark bush to fly. Till bloody bullet get him wrongful prey. So tyrant he, no fitter place could spy, nor so well level and so secret stay as that sweet black which veils the heavenly eye. There himself with his shot he close to the lay, poor passenger. Pass now thereby I did and stayed, pleased with the prospect of the place, while that black you from me the bad guest hid.

18:43But straight I saw motions of lightning grace, and then described the glistening of his dart, but air I could fly, thence. It pierced my heart. Twenty one. Your words my friend, right healthful caustics, blame my young mind, Mard, whom love doth wendless so that my own writings, like bad servants, show my wit's quick and vain thoughts in virtue, lame. The plate hoe I read for not but if he tame such cultish years, that to my birth thio-nobal desires, lest else that friendly foe, great expectation, were a train of shame. For since mad march, great promise made of me, if now the may of my years much decline, what can be hoped my harvest time will be? Sure you say well, your wisdom's golden mine dig deep with learning spade.

19:45Now tell me this. At this world, odds of fair as Stella is. Twenty two. In highest way of heaven the sun did ride, progressing then from fair twins golden place, having no scarf of clouds before his face but shining forth of heat in his chief pride. When some fair ladies, by hard promise tied, on horseback met him in his furious race, yet each prepared with fans well-shading grace from that foe's wounds their tender skins to hide. Stella alone with face unarmoured marched, either to do like him which opened shone, or careless of the wealth because her own. Yet with a hidden and meaner beauties parched, her daintiest bear went free. The cause was this. The sun which others burned did her but kiss. Twenty three.

20:49The curious wits, seeing dull pensiveness be ray itself in my long settled eyes, when it's those same fumes of melancholy rise with idle pains and missing aim to guess. Some, that know how my spring I did address, deemed that my muse some fruit of knowledge applies. Others, because the prints my service tries, think that I think state errors to redress. But harder judges, judge ambitions rage, scourge of itself, still climbing slippery place, holds my young brain capped-ived in golden cage. Oh, fools are overwise. Alas, the race of all my thoughts hath neither stopped nor start, but only Stella's eyes, and Stella's heart. Twenty four. Rich fools there be, whose base and filthy heart lies hatching still the goods where in their flow, and damning their own selves to ten whole smart, wealth-breeding want.

21:56More rich, more rich had grown. Yet, to those fools, heaven's such whip doth impart that what their hands to hold their heads to know, and knowing love and lovingly a part of sacred things far from all danger show. But that rich fool who by blind fortunes lot the richest gem of love and life enjoys, and can with foul abuse such beauties blot, let him, deprived of sweet but undeniable and felt joys, exiled for ae from those high treasures which he knows not, grow in only folly rich. Twenty five. The wisest scholar of the white most wise by Phoebus Doom, with sugared sentence says that virtue, if it once met with our eyes, strange flames of love, it in our souls would raise. But for that man with pain this truth describes while he each thing in senses balance ways,

22:59and so no will nor can behold those skies which inward sun to a rowic mind displays, virtue of late, with virtuous care to stir love of herself, took Stella's shape, the cheetah mortalize might sweetly shine in her. It is most true, for since I heard it see, virtue's great beauty in that face I prove and find the effect, for I do burn in love. Twenty six. Though dusty wits dare scorn astrology and fools can think those lamps of purest light, who's numbers, ways, greatness, eternity, promising wonders, wonder to invite, to have for no cause, birthright in the sky but for to spangle the black weeds of night, or for some brawl which in that chamber high they should still dance to please a gayser's sight, for me I do nature un-idle no, and no great causes, great effects, procure, and no those bodies

24:08high rain on the low. And if these rules did fail, proof makes me sure, who oft forjudge my after-following race, by only those two stars in Stella's face. Twenty seven. Because I often dark abstracted guys see most alone in greatest company, with dearth of words, or answers quite a rye to them that would make speech of speech arise, they deem end of their doom the rumor flies that poison foul of bubbling pride, doth lie so in my swelling breast that only I fall on myself and others to despise. Yet pride I think death not my soul possess, which looks too oft in his unflattering glass. But when worse fault, ambition I confess, that makes me off my best friends overpass unseen unheard, while thought, to highest place bends all his powers, even unto Stella's grace.

25:12Twenty eight. You that with allegories curious frame of others children, changelings used to make, with me those pains for God's sake do not take. I list not dig so deep for brazen fame, when I say Stella, I do mean the same princess of beauty for whose only sake the reigns of love I love, though never slake. And joy therein though nations counted shame. I beg no subject to use eloquence, nor in hid ways do guide philosophy. Look at my hands for no such quintessence, but know that I, in pure simplicity, breathe out the flames which burn within my heart. Love only, reading unto me this art. Twenty nine. Like some weak lords, neighbor by mighty kings, to keep themselves in their chief cities free, do easily yield that all their coasts may be ready to store their camps of needful

26:15things, so Stella's heart, finding what power love brings, to keep itself in life and liberty death willing grant that in the frontiers he use all to help his other conquorings, and thus her heart escapes. Love thus her eyes, serve him with shot, her lips, his heralds are, her breasts, his tents, legs, his tramful car, her flesh, his food, her skin, his armor brave, and I, but for because my prospect lies upon that coast and given up for a slave. Thirty. Whether the Turkish new moon, minded be to fill his horns this year on Christian coast, how Poles' right king means without leave of host to warm with ill-made fire called Muscovy, if French can yet three parts in one agree, what now the Dutch in their full diets most? How Holland hearts, now so good towns be lost, trust in the shade of pleasing orange tree?

27:21How Ulster, likes of that same golden bit with my father once made it half-tame, if in the Scotch court be no well-tring yet? These questions busywits to me to frame, I, combert with good manners, answer to, but no not how, for still I think of you. End of Solace 1-30. End 2 of Astrophelon Stella by Sir Philip Sidney. This liberal arts recording is in the public domain, read by Thomas Copeland. Poems 31-60. 31. With how sad step-so-moon now climbs the skies, as silently and with how worn a face. What? May it be that even in a heavenly place that busy archer is sharp arrows tries?

28:23Sure if that long with love-acquainted eyes can judge of love, thou fields to lover's case. I read it in thy looks, thy languished grace, to me that feel the light thy state describes. And even a fellowship-o-moon tell me, is constant love deemed there but want of wit. Our beauties there as proud as here they be, do they above love to be loved, and yet those lovers scorn whom that love just possess? Do they culvert you there? Ungratefulness? 32. Morpheus, the lively sun of deadly sleep, witness of life to them that living die, a profit often, often history, a poverty, because humor is fly or creed. Since thou in me so sure a power just keep, that never are with closed up sense to lie but

29:25by thy work my stellar I describe, teaching blind eyes, both how to smile and weep. Pout safe of all acquaintance this to tell. Since hostile ivory rubies pearl and gold to show her skin, lips, teeth and head so well, full and so sea, no eyes such treasures hold, but from thy heart, while my sire Charmethy, sweet still as image I to steal to me. 33. I might unhappily word, oh me, I might, and then would not or could not see my bliss, till now wrapped in a most infernal night I find how heavenly day wretch I did miss. Heart rent thyself, thou dost thyself but right.

30:25So lovely Paris made thy hellen his, no force, no fraud, rob thee of thy delight, no fortune of thy fortune author is, but to myself, myself to give the blow, while too much wit for sooth so troubled me that I respect for both our sakes must show. And yet could not by rising mourn for sea how fair a day was near. Oh punished eyes that I had been more foolish or more wise. 34. Come, let me write, and to what end, to ease a burdened heart. How can words ease which are the glasses of thy daily vexing care? Ofd cruel fights well pictured forth to please? Not not ashamed to publish thy disease. Nay, that may breed my fame, it is so rare, but will not wise men think thy words fond

31:27where, then be they close and so none shall displease. What idler thing than speak and not be hard? What harder thing than smart and not to speak? Peace foolish wit with wit my wit is smart. Pass right I while I doubt to write, and reap my arms on ink's poor loss. Perhaps some find Stella's great powers that so confuse my mind? 35. What may words say or what may words not say where truth itself must speak like flattery? Within what bounds can one is liking stay, where nature doth with infinite degree? But nesters counsel can my flames allay since reason self-dut blow the coal in me, and are what hope that hope should once see day where a cupid is sworn page to chastity.

32:28Honor is honored that thou dost possess him as thy slave, and now long needy fame doth even bro rich naming my Stella's name. It learns in the perfection to express, not thou by praise but praise in thee is raised. It is a praise to praise when thou art praised. 36. Stella, when stoth this new assault arise, a conquered, yold and ransacked art to win, where too long since, through my long, battered eyes, whole armies of thy beauty centred in, and their long since, love value-tenit lies, my forces raised, thy banners raised within. Of conquest do not these effects of vice, but will now war upon thy own begin? With so sweet voice, and by sweet nature so in sweet a strength, so sweetly skilled with all in all sweet stratagem, sweet art can show, that not my soul which I thy footed

33:34for long since, forced by thy beams, but stone nor tree by senses privilege can escape from thee. 37. My mouth doth water, and my breast doth swell, my tongue doth itch, my thoughts in labor-by, listen then, Lord, ins with good ear to me, for of my life I must a riddle tell. To order or as court an imp doth dwell rich in all beauties which man's eye can see, beauty is so far from richer words that we abace her praise, saying, shudath excel, rich in the treasure of deserved renown, rich in the riches of a royal heart, rich in those gifts which give the eternal crown, who, though most rich in these and every part which make the patterns of true worldly bliss, hath no misfortune but that rich she is. 38. This night, while sleep begins with heavy wings to hatch my eyes, and that unbited thought

34:41doth fall to stray, and my chief powers are brought to leave the scepter of all subject things, the first that straight my fancy's error brings under my mind is Stella's image, wrought by love's own self, but with so curious draw that she may things not only shines, but sings. I start, look, hark! but what enclosed up sense was hailed in open sense it flies away, leaving me not but wailing eloquence. I, seeing better sights in sights decay, called it a new and wood sleep again, but him her host, that unkind guested slain. 39. O, sleep, the certain knot of peace, the baiting place of wit, the bomb of woe, the poor man's wealth, the prisoner's release, then different judge between the high and low.

35:44With shield of proof shield me from out the press of those fierce darts to spare at me to throw. Oh, make in me those civil wars to cease. I will good tribute pay of Thou do so. Make Thou of me smooth pillows, sweetest bed, a chamber, death to noise and blind to light, a rosy garland at a weary head. And if these things as being done by right move not thy heavy grace, thou shalt in me lively than elsewhere, Stella's image see? 40. As good to write, as for to lie and groan. Oh, Stella dear, how much thy power hath wrought, that has my mind none of the basis brought my still kept course, while others sleep to moan? Alas, if from the height of virtues thrown thou canst thou save the influence of a thought

36:47upon a wretch that long thy grace hath sought, far then how I by the am overthrown, and then think thus, although thy beauty be made manifest by such a victory, yet noblest conquerors do wrecks avoid. Since then thou hast so far subdued me that in my heart I offer still to thee, oh, do not let thy temple be destroyed. 41. During this day my horse, my hand, my lance guided so well that I obtained the prize both by the judgment of the English eyes and of some scent from that sweet enemy, friends. Horseman, my skill in horsemanship, advanced, town folks, my strength, a daintier judge applies his praise to slight from which good use to thrice. Some lucky wits imputed by to chance. Others, because of both sides I to take my blood from them who did excel in this, think

37:49nature, me a man of arms did make. How far thy shot a rye, the true causes stella looked on, and from her heavenly face, sent forth the beams which made so fair my race. 42. O eyes, which do the spheres of beauty move, whose beams be joys, whose joys all virtues be, who while they make love conquer, conquer love, the schools where Venus hath learned chastity, O eyes, where humble looks most glorious prove, only love, tyrants, just in cruelty, do not, oh do not, from poor me remove, keep still my zenith ever shine on me, for though I never see them but straightways my life forgets to nourish languished sprites, yet still on me o eyes dark down your rays, and if, from majesty of sacred light suppressing mortal

38:54sense, my death proceed, rags triumphs be which love high set to the breed. 43. Fair eyes, sweet lips, dear heart, that foolish eye could hope by cupid's help on you to pray, since to himself he doth your gift supply as his main force, choice sport, and easeful stay, for when he will see who dare him gain say, then with those eyes he looks, low, by and by, each soul doth at love's fetus weapons lay, glad if for her he give them leave to die. When he will play, then in her lips he is, where blushing red that love self them doth love, with either lip he doth the other kiss. But when he will for quiet sake remove from all the world, her heart is then his room, where well he knows no man to him can come.

39:5644. My words I know do well set forth my mind. My mind bimones his sense of inward smart, such smart may pity claim of any heart. Her heart, sweet heart, is of no tiger's kind, and yet she hears and get no pity I find. But more I cry, less grace she loth him part. Alas, what cause is there so overt worth that nobleness itself makes doth unkind? I much to guess, yet find no truth save this, that when the breath of my complaints doth touch those dainty doors under the court of bliss, the heavenly nature of that place is such that, once come there, the sobs of my anois are metamorphosed straight dothumes of joys. 45. Stella often sees the very face of woe painted in my beclouded stormy face, but cannot skill to pity my disgrace, not though thereof the cause herself she know.

41:02Yet hearing late a fable, which doth show lovers never known, a grievous case, pity there of gait in her breasts such place that from that seed arrived, tears springed it flow. Alas, if fancy, drawn by image things, though false, yet with free scope, more grace doth breed than servants rack, when new doubts honour brings, then think my dear that you and me to read of lovers ruin some sad tragedy. I am not I, pity the tale of me. 46. I cursed thee oft, I pity now thy case blind hitting boy, since she, that thee and me rules with a beck, so tyrannize thee that thou must want or food or dwelling place, for she protest to banish thee her face. Her face. Oh, love, a rogue thou then shouldst be, if loveler not alone to love and see without

42:05desire to feed of further grace. Alas, poor wag, that now a scholar art to such a school, mistress, whose lessons new thou needs must miss, and so thou needs must smart. Yet dear, let me as pardon get of you, so long though he from book, Mitch to desire, till without few you can make hot fire. 47. What, have I thus betrayed my liberty? Can those black beams such burning marks engrave in my free side? Or am I born a slave whose neck becomes such yoke of tyranny? Well, what I sense to feel my misery or sprite, disdain of such disdain to have? Who for long faith though daily help I crave may get no arms but scorn of beggary? Virtue awake, beauty but beauty is, I may, I must, I can, I will, I do leave following

43:08that which it is gained to miss, let her go, soft, but here she comes. Go to unkind, I love you not, O me, that I doth make my heart give to my tongue the lie. 48. Souls joy, men not those morning stars from me, where virtue is made strong by beauty's might, where love is chasteless, pain doth learn delight and humbleness grows one with majesty. Whatever may ensue, O let me be co-partner of the riches of that sight. Let not my eyes be held driven from that light. O look, O shine, O let me die and see, for though I oft myself of them be moan through my heart there be me darts begun whose culous wounds even now most freshly bleed, yet since my death wound is already got.

44:08Dear killer, spare not thy sweet cruel shot, a kind of grace it is to slay with speed? 49. I on my horse and love on me doth try our horsemen ships, while by strange work I prove a horse to my horse, a horse to love. And now man's wrongs in me bore beast describe. The rain, wherewith my rider doth me tire humble thoughts, which bit of reverence move, curved in with fear, but with guilt pass above of hope, which makes it seem fair to the eye. The wand is will, thou fancy saddle art, girt fast by memory. And while I spur my horse, he spurs with sharp desire my heart. He sits me fast, however I do stir, and now hath made me to his hand so right that in the manage myself takes delight.

45:1050. Stella, the fullness of my thoughts of thee cannot be stayed within my panting breast, but they do swell and struggle forth of me till that in words thy figure be expressed. And yet as soon as they so form it be, according to my Lord loves own behest, with sad eyes eye their weak proportion see, to portrait that which in this world is best, so that I cannot choose but write my mind and cannot choose but put out what I write, while these poor babes their death in birth to find. And now my pennies lines had dashed quite, but that they stopped his fury from the same because their forefront bear sweet Stella's name. 51. Pardon my nears, both eye and they do pray, so may your tongue still fluidly proceed to them that do such entertainment need.

46:11So may you still have somewhat new to say. On silly me do not the birth and lay of all the grave conceits your brain death breed, but find some herculeus to bear, instead of atlas tired, your wisdoms have enlist way. For me, while you discourse of courtly tides of cunning, fissures in most troubled streams, of straying waves when valiant error guides, meanwhile my heart confers with Stella's beams, and is even irked that so sweet comedy by such unsuted speech should hinder it be. 52. A strife is grown between virtue and love, while each pretends that Stella must be his. Her eyes, her lips, her all-seth love, do this since they do wear his badge most firmly prove. But virtue, thus that title does just prove, that Stella, oh dear name, that Stella is that

47:16virtuous soul, sure air of heavenly bliss, not this fair outside which our heart steth move, and therefore, though her beauty and her grace be loves indeed, in Stella's self, he may by no pretends claim any manner place. Well, love, since this dimmer arse you to stay, let virtue have that Stella's self, yet thus, that virtue but that body grant to us. 53. In martial sports I had my cunning tried, and yet to break more staves did me address, while with the people's shouts I must confess, you, luck, and praise even filled my veins with pride, when Cupid, having me his slave, described in Mars's livery, prancing in the press, what not also fools that he, I would no less, look here I say, I looked, and Stella

48:18spied, who heart by made a window send forth light, my heart then quaked, then dazzle with my eyes, one hand forgot to rule, the other to fight, nor trumpet sound I heard, nor friendly cries, my foe came on and beat the air for me, till that her blush taught me my shame to see. 54. Because I breathe not love to everyone, nor do not use set colors for to wear, nor nourish, special locks of vowed hair, nor give each speech a full point of a groan, the courtly nymphs acquainted with the mone of them who in their lips love standard bear, what he, say they of me, now I dare swear he cannot love? No, no, let him alone, and think so still, so Stella know my mind, profess indeed I do

49:20not Cupid's art, but you fair maids at length this true shall find that his right badge is but worn in the heart, dumb swans not chattering pies do lovers prove, they love indeed who quake to say they love. 55. Muses, I often voked your holy aid with choicest flowers my speech to engol and so that it despised in true but naked show might win some grace in your sweet grace or aid, and often hold troops of saddest words I stayed striving abroad, afforaging to go, until by your inspiring I might know how their black banner might be best displayed. But now I mean no more your help to try, nor other sugaring of my speech to prove, but on her name incessantly to cry, bore let me but name her whom I do love, so sweet sounds

50:21straight mine ear and heart do it that I will find no eloquence like it. 56. Five school of patience, five, your lesson is far far too long to learn it without book. What a whole week without one piece of look and think I should not your large precepts miss. When I might read those letters fairer bliss which in her face teach virtue I could book somewhat thy lidden councils which I took as of a friend that meant not much a day. But now that I alas do want her sight, what does thou think that I can ever take in thy cold stuff of fleedmetic delight? No patience, if thou wilt my good, then make her comment here with patience my desire, and then with patience bid me bear my fire. 57. Woe having made with many fights his own, each sense of mine, each gift each power of

51:26mine, grown now his slave, he forced them out to find the thoroughst words fit for woe self to groan, hoping that when they might find Stella alone before she could prepare to be unkind, her soul, armed but with such a dainty rind, should soon be pierced with sharpness of the moan. She heard my planes, and did not only hear but them so sweet as she most sweetly sing, with that fair breast making woes darkness clear. A pretty case. I hope it her to bring to feel my griefs, and she with face and voice so sweet my pains that my pains me rejoice. 58. Adalt there hath been, when with his golden chain the orators so far men's hearts doth bind, that no pace else their guided steps can find, but as he them more short or slacked to the rain. Whether with words this sovereignty he gained clothed with fine tropes, with strongest reasons

52:30lined, or else pronouncing grace wherewith his mind prints his own lively form in rudest brain. Now judged by this. In piercing phrases late the anatomy of all my woes I rate, Stella's sweet breath the same to me did read. Oh, voice, oh, face, moaner my speeches might which woo at woe, most ravishing delight, even though sad words even and sad me did breed. 59. Dear, why make you more of a dog than me? If he do love I burn I burn in love. If he wait well I never thence would move. If he be fair yet but a dog can be. Little is so little worth a sea. He barks, my songs thine own voice off to prove. Then perhaps he fetcheth the aglove but I unbid fetch even my soul to thee.

53:35Yet while I languish he am that bosom clips, that lapeth lap. Nay, let's in spite of spite this sour breath make taste of those sugared lips. Alas, if you grant only such delight to witless things, then love, I hope, since wit becomes a clog, will soon ease me of it. 60. When my good angel guides me to the place where all my good I do in stela sea, that heaven of joys throws only down on me thundered disdains and lightnings of disgrace. But when the rugged step of fortunes race makes me fall from her sight, then sweetly she with words where in the muse's treasures be, shows love and pity to my absent case. Now I wit beaten long by hardest fate, so dull am that I cannot look into the ground of this fierce love and lovely hate.

54:36Then some good body tell me how I do, whose presence, absence, absence, presence is blissed in my curse and cursed in my bliss. And a poem's 31 through 60. Section 3 of Astrophel and Stela by Sir Philip Sidney. This Librivox recording is in the public domain, read by Thomas Copeland, poem 61 to 84. 61. Off to true size, off to uncolored tears, now with slow words, now with dumb eloquence, I still as eyes assayed, invade her ears. But this at last is her sweet breath defense, that, who indeed, in felt affection bears, so captives to his st. Both soul and sense that, wholly hers, all self-nessy for bears.

55:42Then his desires he learns, his lives course, thence. Now since her chased mind hates this love in me, with chasing mind I straight must show that she shall quickly me from what she hates remove. Oh, Dr. Cupid, vow from me reply, driven else to grant by angel's sophistry that I love not without I leave to love. 62. Late tired with woe, even ready for to pine with rage of love I called my love unkind. She in whose eyes love the one felt as shine sweet said that I true love in her should find. I joyed, but straight thus watered was my wine, that love she did but loved to love not blind, which would not let me whom she loved decline from nobler course fit for my birth and mind, and therefore by her love's authority will me these tempest surveying love to fly and

56:46anchor fast myself on virtue's shore. Alas, if this the only metalbe of love new coined to help my beggary, dear, love me not, that you may love me more. 63. Oh, grammar rules, oh now your virtues show, so children still read you with awful eyes, as my young dove may in your precepts wise her grant to me by her own virtue no. For late, with heart most high, with eyes most low, I craved the thing which ever she denies. She, lightning-loved, displaying Venus' skies, less once should not be heard, twice said, no, no. Sing then my muse, now I opiancing heavens envy not at my high triumphant, but grammar's force with sweet success confirm.

57:47For grammar says, oh this dear Stella say, for grammar says to grammar who says nay, that in one speech two negatives affirm. 64. No more my dear, no more of these counsels try. Oh, give my passions leave to run their race. Let fortune lay on me her worst disgrace, let folk or charged with brain against me cry, let clouds bid dim my face, break in my eye. Let me no steps put of lost labour trace, let all the earth with scorn recount my case, but do not will me from my love to fly. I do not envy Aristotle's wit, no to aspire to Caesar's bleeding fame, no ought to care though some above me sit, no hope, no wish another course to frame, but that which once

58:47may win my cruel heart. Thou art my wit, and thou my virtue art. 65. Love by sure proof I may call the unkind, that gives no better ear to my just cries, though whom to me such my good turn should bind, as I may well recount but non-conprize. For when naked boy thou couldst no harbor find in this old world, grow now so too too wise, I lodged thee in my heart, and being blind by nature-born I gave to thee my eyes, my eyes, my light, my heart, my life alas. If so great services may scorn at me, yet let this thought-dietigrish courage pass, that I, perhaps, am somewhat kin to thee, since inline arms, if learned fame trutheth spread, thou bears the arrow, I, the arrow-head.

59:4966. And do I see some cause a hope to feed, or doth the tedious burden of long woe in weakened minds, quick apprehending breed of every image which may comfort show? I cannot brag of word, much less of deed, fortune will still with me in one sort, slow. My wealth no more, and no wit less my need, desire still on the stills of fear to go, and yet amid all fears a hope there is, stoned to my heart since last fair night, nay, day, tell us eyes sent to me the beams of bliss, looking on me while I looked other way. But when my eyes back to their heaven did move, they fled with blush which guilty seemed of love. 67. Hope, aren't thou true, or doth thou flatter me?

1:00:50Doth still and now begin with piti as I, the ruins of her conquest to us by, which she take time before all racket be? Her eyes, beaches translated thus by thee, but fails thou not in phrase so heavenly high, look on again, the fair text better try. What blushing notes does thou in margin see? What size don't out or kill before full born? Has thou found such and such like arguments, or art thou else to comfort me for swarm? Well, how so though interpret the contents I am resolved thy error to maintain, rather than by more truth to get more pain? 68. Stella, the only planet of my light, light of my life and life of my desire, chief good where to my hope doth only aspire, world of my wealth and heaven of my delight, why

1:01:52does thou spend the treasures of thy sprite, with voice more fit to wed Amphion's liar seeking to quench in me, the noble fire fed by thy worth, and kindle by thy sight, and all in vain? For while thy breath most sweet, with choicest words thy words with reasons rare thy reasons firmly set on virtue's feet, labor to kill in me this killing care, oh, think I then what paradise of joy it is, so fair of virtue to enjoy. 69. Oh, joy to high for my low-style to show, oh bliss fit for a noble state than me, and we put out thy eyes less thou do see what oceans of delight in me do flow. My friend, that oft saw through all masks my woe, come, come, and let me pour myself

1:02:53on thee. Gone is the winter of my misery, my spring appears, oh see what here toth grow, for Stella hath with words where faith doth shine of her high heart, given me the monarchy. I, I, oh, I may say that she is mine, and though she give but thus conditionally this realm of bliss while virtuous course I take, no kings be crowned but they some covenants make. 70. My muse may well grudge at my heavenly joy, if still I force her in sad rhymes to creep, she often drunk my tears, now hopes to enjoy nectar of mirth since I jove's cup to keep. 70. Son, it's been not bound, print us to annoy, trebles sing high as well as basses deep, grief but loves winter livery years, the boy hath cheeks to smile as well as eyes to weep.

1:03:5570. Come, then, my muse, show thou height of delight in well-raised notes, my pen, the best it may shall paint out joy, though but in black and white. Fee, see seeker muse, peace pen, for my sakes stay, I give you here my hand for truth of this. Why silence is best music unto bliss? 71. Who will in fairest book of nature know how virtue may best lodged in beauty be? Let him but learn of love to read in thee, Stella, those fair lines which true goodness show. There shall he find all vices overthrow, not by rude force but sweetest sovereignty of reason, from whose light those nightbirds fly, that inward sun and eye shyness so.

1:04:55And not content to be perfection's air thyself, does strive all minds that way to move who mark in thee what is in thee most fair. So while thy beauty draws the heart to love, as fast thy virtue bends that love to good, but our desire still cries, give me some food. 72. Desire, though thou my old companion art, and oft so clings to my pure love that I won from the other scarstick and to scry, while each death blow the fire of my heart, now from thy fellowship I need must part. Venus is taught with dion's wings to fly. I must know more in thy sweet passions lie, virtues gold now must hit my cupid start. Venus and honor wonder with delight fear to offend, will worthy to appear, care shining

1:06:00in my eyes, faith in my sprite, these things are left me by my only dear, but thou desire, because thou wouldst have all now banished art. But yet alas, how shall? 73. Love still a boy, and after wanton is, schooled only by his mother's tender eye. What wonder then if he his lesson miss, when for so soft a rod dear play he try? And yet my star, because a sugared kiss in sport I sucked while she asleep did lie, doth lower, nay, chide, nay, threat, for only this. It was saucy love, not humble eye. But no skew serves, she makes her wrath appear in beauty's throne. See now who dares come near those scarlet judges threatening bloody pain. Oh, heavenly fool, thy most kiss worthy face anger invests with such a lovely grace that

1:07:06anger self I need must kiss again. 74. I never drank it I can nip it well, nor ever did in shade of tempest sit, and muses scorn with vulgar brains to dwell poor layman eye for sacred rights unfit. Some do I hear of poet's fury tell, but God what, what not what they mean by it, and this I swear by blackest brook of hell I am no pick-perse of another's wit. How false it then, that with so smooth an ease my thoughts I speak, and what I speak to the flowing verse, and that my verse best which steth please. Guess with the cause? What is it thus? Fine no, or so much less. How then? Sure thus it is. My lips are sweet, inspired with stellous kiss.

1:08:0875. Of all the kings that ever heeded rain, Edward named forth as first in praise I name, not for his fair outside nor well-lined grain, although less gifts impethers off on fame, nor that he could, young wise, wise valiant, frame his sires revenge, joined with the kingdoms gain, and gained by Mars, could yet mad Mars so tame that balance weighed what soar did late obtain. Nor that he made the floydeluce so frayed, though strongly armed, of bloody lion's paws, that witty luse to him a tribute paid, nor this nor that. Nor any such small cause, but only for this worthy night-durst proved to lose his crown, rather than fail his love. 76. She comms and straight therewith her shining twins to move their rays to me, who in her tedious

1:09:13absence lay benighted in cold woe, but now appears my day the only light of joy, the only warmth of love. She comms with light and warmth, which, like a roar, a proof of gentle force, so that my eyes dare gladly play with such a rosy mourn, whose beams most freshly gay scorch-naught, but only do dark-chilling sprites remove. At low? While I do speak it, grow it noon with me. Her flamey glistening lights increase with time and place. My heart cries, ah, it burns! My eyes now dazzle be, no wind, no shade can cool! What help then in my case but with short breath, long looks, stayed feet and walking head, pray that my son go down with meeker beams to bed. 77.

1:10:14Those looks whose beams be joy, whose motion is delight, that face, whose lectures, shows what perfect beauty is, that presence which does give dark hearts a living light, that grace which Venus weeps that she herself does miss, that hand which without touch holds more than atlas might, those lips which make deaths pay a mean price for a kiss, that skin whose past praise you scorns this poor term of white, those words which do sublime the quintessence of bliss, that voice which makes the soul plant himself in the ears, that conversation sweet where such high comforts be as constant in true speech the name of heaven at bears, makes me in my best thoughts and quietest judgments see that in no more with these I might be fully blessed.

1:11:15Yet are my maiden musedeth blush to tell the best? 78. Oh, how the pleasant airs of true love be infected by those vapors which arise from out that noisome gulf which gaping lies between the jaws of hellish jealousy! A monster, others' harm, self-missory, beauties plague, virtue scourge sucker of lies who his own joy to his own hurt applies, and only cherished us with injury, who since he hath by nature's special grace so piercing pause as spoil when they embrace, so nimble feet as stir still though unthorns so many eyes a-seeking their own woe, so ample ears as never good news know, is it not evil that such a devil wants horns?

1:12:1579. Sweet kiss, thy sweet syphane would sweetly indict which even of sweetness sweetest sweetener art. He'sing's consort, where each sense holds apart which coupling dogs guides Venus chariot right. Best charge and brave strutrate in Cupid's fight. A double key which opens to the heart most rich when most is richest in part. Nest of young joy schoolmaster of delight, teaching the mean at once to take and give. The friendly fray, where blows both wound and heel, the pretty death while each in other live. Poor hopes first wealth, our stich of promised wheel, breakfast of love, but low, low where she is, see sweet appraise, now pray we for a kiss.

1:13:1980. Sweet swelling lip, well mayst thou swell in pride since best which think it with thee to admire. Nature's praise virtue stall Cupid's cold fire. Whenst words, not words but heavenly graces slide. The new parnassus with amuses bide, sweetener of music, wisdom's beautifier, breather of life and fastener of desire, where beauty's blush in honor's grain has died. Thus much my heart compelled my mouth to say, but now, spite of my heart, my mouth will stay, loathing all lies, doubting this flattery is. And no spur can his resty race renew without how far this praise is short of you, sweet lip, you teach my mouth with one sweet kiss. 81.

1:14:19Oh kiss which dust those ruddy gems impart, or gems or fruits of newfound paradise, breathing all bliss and sweetening to the heart, teaching dumb lips a nobler exercise. Oh kiss which souls even souls together ties by links of love and only nature's art. How fein would I paint thee to all men's eyes, or if thy gifts at least shade out some part. But she forbids, with blushing words, she say she builds her fame on higher-seated praise. But my heart burns I cannot silent be. Even since dear life, you fein would have me peace, and I, mad with delight, want wit to cease, stop you my mouth with still, still kissing me. 82. Nymph of the garden were all beauties, beauties which do an excellency pass, his who till death

1:15:21looked in a watery glass, or hers whom naked the Trojan boy did see, sweet garden mymph which keeps the cherry tree whose fruit doth far the spare entastes surpass, most sweet fair, most fair sweet do not alas from coming near those cherries banish me. For though full of desire, empty of wit, admitted late by your best grace at grace, I caught at one of them a hungry bit, pardon that fault, once more grant me the place, and I do swear, even by the same delight I will but kiss, I never more will bite. 83. Good brother Philip, I have borne you long. I was content you should in favor creep while craftily you seemed your cut to keep, as though that fair soft hand did you great wrong. I bear, with envy, at I bear your song, when in her neck you did love ditties peep, nay

1:16:24more fool I, oft suffered you to sleep in lilies nest where love self lies along. What, doth high place ambitious thoughts augment, is sauciness reward of courtesy. Cannot such grace your silly self-content but you must needs with those lips billing be, and through those lips drink nectar from that tongue, leave that syphilp, lest off your neck be rung. 84. Highway since you my cheap panasus be, and that my muse to some years not on sweet tempers her words to trampling horses feet more often to a chamber melody, now blessed you, bear onward blessed me to her, where I my heart safe left shall meet. My muse and I must you of duty greet with thanks and wishes, wishing thankfully, be you still fair honored by public heed, by no encroachment wronged, nor time forgot, nor blame

1:17:29for blood, nor shame for sinful deed, and that you know I envy you know lot of highest wish, I wish you no such bliss, hundreds of years you still as feet make his. End of poem 61-84. Section 4 of Astrophel and Stella by Sir Philip Sydney. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Thomas Copeland. Poems 85-108. 85. I see the house. My heart, thy self-contain, beware full sales drown not thy tottering barge, lest joy by nature apt sprites to enlarge thee to thy rack beyond thy limit's drain, nor do like lords whose weak, confused brain not pointing to fit folks we chunder charge, while

1:18:30every office themselves will discharge with doing all leave nothing done but pain, but give apt servants their due place, let eyes see beauties total sum summed in her face, let years hear speech which wit to wonder ties, let breath suck up those sweets, let arms embrace the globe of wheel lips loves in dentures make. Thou, but of all, the kingly tribute take. 86. Alas, once came this change of looks, if I have changed dessert, let my known conscience be a still felt plague to self-condemning me, let woe gripe on my heart, shame load my eye, but if all faith like spotless ermon lice safe in my soul which only doth to thee as is so object of felicity with wings of love in air of wonder fly, oh, ease your hand,

1:19:33treat not so hard your slave, in justice pains come not till faults to call, or if I need switch judge must torment's have, you something else to chase in me with all than those blessed eyes, were all my hopes to dwell. No doom should make one's heaven become his hell. 87. When I was forced from Stella ever dear, Stella, food of my thoughts, heart of my heart, Stella, whose eyes make all my tempest clear, by Stella's laws of duty to depart, alas, I found that she with me did smart. I saw that tears did in her eyes appear. I saw that size her sweetest lips did part, and her sad words I sat as sense did hear. For me I wept to see Pearl scattered so.

1:20:34I sighed her size and wailed for a woe, yet swam in joy such love in her was seen. Thus, while the fact most bitter was to me, and nothing than the cause more sweet could be, I had been vexed if vexed I had not been. 88. Out traitor absence, dare style counsel me from my dear captainist to run away, because in brave array here marcheth she that do win me off-choes a present pay, is faith so weak, or is such force in thee? When sun is hid can stars such beams display, can all heavens' food once felt keep stomachs free from base desire on earthly cates to pray? Tosh absence! While thy mist eclipse that light, my orphan sense flies to the inward sight, where

1:21:37memory sets forth the beams of love, that where before heart loved and eyes did see, in heart both sight and love now coupled be, united powers make each the stronger proof. 89. Now that of absence the most irksome knight with darkest shade to overcome my day, since tellers eyes, want to give me my day, leaving my hemisphere leave me a night, each day seems long, and longs for long stayed night. The night, as tedious, moves the approach of day, tired with the dusty toils of busy day, languished with horrors of the silent night, suffering the evils both of the day and night, while no night is more dark than is my day, nor no day, at least quiet than my night, with such bad mixture of my night and day, that living thus in blackest winter

1:22:40night, I feel the flames of hottest summer day. 90. Teller think not that I byverse seek fame, who seek, who hope, who love, who live, but thee. Thy eyes, my pride, thy lips, my history, if thou praise not all of the praises shame. Nor so ambitious am I as to frame a nest for my young praise in laurel tree. In truth I swear I wish not there should be graved in my napetaph a poet's name. Nay, if I would, could I just title-make that any lord thereof to me should grow, without my plumes from others wings I take, for nothing from my wit or will toth flow, since all my words thy beauty doth entite, and loved tothold my hand and makes me right. 91. Stella, while now by honours cruel might I am from you, light of my life, misled, and that

1:23:47fair you my sundress overspread with absence veil, I live in sorrow's night. If this dark place yet show like candlelight some beauty's peace says amber-colored head, milk hands, rose cheeks or lips more sweet, more red, or seeing gets black but in blackness bright. They please, I to confess they please my eyes, but why? Because of you they morals be, morals such be wood globes of glistening skies, dear therefore be not jealous over me, if you hear that they seem my heart to move, not them, oh no but you in them I love. 92. The old words made good, sir, of Indian wear, that you allow me them by so small rate, or do you cut its Spartans imitate, or do you mean my tender ears despair that to my

1:24:51questions you so total are? We're not demand of Phoenix Stella's state, you say, for sooth you left a well of late. Oh God, think you that satisfies my care, I would know whether she did sit or walk, how cloth, how weighted on, side she or smiled, whereof with whom, how often did she talk, with what pastime times journey she beguiled, if her lips dain't to sweeten my poor name, say all, and all well said, still say the same. 93. Oh, fate, oh fault, oh curse, child of my bliss, what sobs can give words grace, my grief to show, what ink is black enough to paint my woe. Through me, wretch me even Stella of Exodus, yet truth, if Kate of Spreth may call thee,

1:25:53this witness with me, that my foul stumbling so from carelessness did in no manner grow, but wit, confused with too much care did miss, and do I then myself this vain skew-skive? I have live I and know this harm at thee. The world's quite me shall I myself forgive, only with pains my pains thus ease it be, but all thy hurts in my heart's rack I read, I cry thy size, my dear, thy tears I bleed. 94. Grief find the words, for thou hast made my brain so dark with misty vapors which arise from out thy heavy mold, that in bent eyes can scarce discern the shape of my own pain. To thou then, for thou canst, to thou complain for my poor soul, which now that sickness

1:26:54tries which even to sense, sense of itself, denies, though harbages of death lodge their his train. Or if thy love of plain yet mine for bears, as ev'er Kate of worthy so to die, yet wail thy self, and wail with causeful tears that, though in wretchedness thy life doth lie, it grossed more wretched than thy nature bears by being placed in such a wretched eye. 95. Yet size, dear size, indeed true friends you are, that do not leave your left friend at the worst, but as you with my breast I, after nursed, so grateful now you wait upon my care. Named coward joy no longer tarry dare, seeing hope yield when this woe strike him first. Delight protests he is not for the accursed, though of himself my mate in arms he swear.

1:27:57Nay, sorrow comes with such main rage that he kills his own children, tears, finding that they by love were made apt to consult with me. Only true size you do not go away. Think may you have for such a thankful part. Thank worthyest yet, when you shall break my heart. 96. Thought with good cause thou likes so well the night, since kind or chance gives both one livery, both sadly black, both blackly darkened be. Delight barred from sun, vow from thy own sunlight. Silence in both displaces solid might, slow heaviness in both holds one degree. That full of doubts thou perplexity. Thy tears express night's native moisture right, in both the maizeful solitor in us.

1:29:00In night of sprites the ghastly powers to stir, in thee or sprites or spited ghastliness, but alas, night side the odds hath fur. For that at length yet doth invite some rest, though those still tired yet still doth it detest. 97. Man that fame would cheer her friend the night, shows her after the full of fairest face, bringing with her those starry nymphs, whose chase from heavenly standing hits each mortal white. But our poor night in love with Phoebus light and endlessly despairing of his grace, herself to show no other joy-hath place, silent and sad, in morning weeds doth dite. And so alas, a lady dianne's peer with choice delights and rarest company would feign

1:30:02drive-clouds from out my heavy cheer. But woes me, though joy itself for she, she could not show my blind brain ways of joy, while I despair my sun-sight to enjoy. 98. Ah, bed! The field where joys peace some to see, the field where all my thoughts to war be trained. How is thy grace by my strange fortune stained? How thy lee shores by my size storm it be? With sweet soft shapes thou often bite us meet a steel some rest. But wretch, I am constrained, spurred with love-spirr, though gold and shortly reigned with care's art and, to turn and toss in thee, while the black horrors of the silent night paint woes black face so lively to my sight that tedious leisure marks each wrinkled line.

1:31:04But when a roar leads out Phoebus dance, my eyes then only wink, for spite perchance that worms should have their sun, and I want mine. 99. When far spent night persuades each mortal eye to whom nor art nor nature granteth light to lay his then mark-wanting shafts of sight closed with their quivers in sleep's armory. With windows oak then most my mind doth lie, viewing the shape of darkness, and delight takes in that sad hue, which with inward night of his mazed powers keeps perfect harmony. But when birds charm and that sweet air which is mourn's messenger with rows and emerald skies calls each white to salute the flower of bliss in tomb of lids then buried our mine eyes, forced by their lord, who is ashamed to find such light in sense with such a dark

1:32:09and mind. 100. Oh, tears, no tears but rain from beauty's skies, making those lilies and those roses grow, which a most fair, now more than most fair show, while graceful pity beauty beautifies. Oh, honeyd size, which from that breast derives, whose pants to make unspilling cream to flow, winged with whose breath so pleasing zeffres blow as can refresh the hell where my soul fries. Oh, plants conserved in such a sugared phrase that eloquence itself envies your praise, while sobbed out words a perfect music give. Such tears, sighs, planes, no sorrow is but joy, or if such heavenly signs must prove a noy, all earth farewell, let me in sorrow live.

1:33:14101. Stella is sick, and in that sick bed-ly sweetness which breathes and pants as after she, and grace sick too, such fine conclusions tries that sickness brags itself best grace to be. Beauty is sick, but sick in so fair guise that in that painless beauty's white we see, and joy which is in separate from those eyes, Stella now learns strange case to weep in the. Love moans thy pain, and like a faithful page, as thy lookster comes up and down to make all folks pressed at thy will thy pain to a swage. Nature with care sweats for her darling's sake, knowing worlds pass, air she enough confined of such heaven's stuff to clothe so heavenly a mind. 102.

1:34:16Where be those roses gone which sweeten so our eyes? Where those red cheeks which, often with fair increase, did frame the height of honor in the kindly badge of shame. Who hath the crimson weed stolen from my morning skies? How'd of the colour veid of those vermillion dyes which nature self did make and self ingrained the same? I would know by what right this paleness overcame that hue whose force my heart still under throld and ties. Galen's adoptive sons, who by a beaten way their judgments hack me on, the fault on sicknessly, but feeling proof makes me say they mistake it for her. It is but love which makes his paper perfect white, to write therein more fresh the story of delight, while's beauties reddest ink venous for him to stir.

1:35:17103. Oh happy Thames that didst my stellar bear. I saw thyself with many a smiling line upon thy cheerful face joys liveryware, while those fair planets on thy streams did shine. The boat for joy could not to dance for bear, while wanton winds with beauties so divine ravish, stayed not till in her golden hair they did themselves, oh sweetest prison twine. And fein those eels youth there would their stay of maid, but forced by nature still to fly, first did with puffing kiss those locks display. She so-to-sheveled blushed. From window I with sight thereof cried out, oh fair disgrace, let onerself to the grant highest place. 104. Envious wits, what hath been my nofence that with such poisonous care my looks you mark,

1:36:24that to each word nays eye of my new harp as grudging me my sorrow's eloquence? Ah, is it not enough that I am thence, thence, so far thence that scarcely any spark of comfort dare come to this dungeon dark, where rigors exile locks up all my sense? But if I buy a happy window pass, if I but stars upon my armor bear, seek, thirsty, glad, though but of empty glass, your moral notes, straight my hid-meaning tear from out my ribs, and puffing proves that I do still a love. Fools, who do they deny? 105. Unhappy sight, and hath she vanished by so near and so good time so free a place? Dead glass, dust thou thy object so embrace as what my heart still sees thou can't not spy?

1:37:25I swear by her I love and lack, that I was not in fault, who bent thy dazzling race only unto the heaven of Stella's face, counting but dust what in the way did lie? Oh, cease my eyes, your tears do witness well that you guiltless thereof your nectar mist. Curse be the page from whom the bad torch fell. Curse be the night which did your strife resist. Curse be the coachman which did drive so fast, with no worse curse than absence makes me taste. 106. Oh, absent presence. Stella is not here. False flattering hope that with so fair a face bear me in hand, that in this orphan place Stella, I say my Stella should appear. What says thou now? Where is that dainty cheer thou toldst my eyes should help their famished case? But thou are gone, now that self felt disgrace, that make me most to wish thy comfort near.

1:38:30But here I do store a fair lady's meat, who may with charm the conversation sweet, make in my heavy mold new thoughts to grow. Sure, they prevail as much with me as he that bad is friend, but then new maimed to be merry with him and not think of his woe. 107. Stella, since thou so right a princess art of all the powers which life bestows on me, that air by them ought undertaken be thy first resort unto that sovereign part, sweet for a while give respite to my heart which pants as though it still should leap to thee, and on my thoughts give thy leftennancy to this great cause which needs both use and art. And as a queen, who from her presence sends whom she employs, dismiss from thee my wit, till it have wrought what thy own will attends.

1:39:33One serpent's shame oft m�sters blamed with sit. Oh, let not fools in me thy works reproof and scorning say, see what it is to love. 108. When sorrow, using my known fires, might melt down his lid into my boiling breast, through that dark furnace to my heart oppressed, there shines a joy from thee, my only light. But soon as thought of thee breeds my delight and my young soul flutters to thee his nest. Most rude despair, my daily unbidden guest, clips straight my wings, straight wraps me in his night, and makes me then bow down my head and say, ah, what doth fee us gold that wretch avail whom I own doors to keep from use of day. Go strangely alas thy works in me prevail that in my woes for thee lowered my joy and

1:40:36in my joys for thee my only anoy. The end of astrophelon's stella, bice of Philip Sidney.