Astrophel and Stella: 75
Astrophel and Stella: 75
Original Text
The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia written by Sir Philip Sidney, Knight. Now the third time published with sundry new additions of the same author. Edinburgh: Printed by Robert Walde-graue, 1599. STC 22542.
1Of all the kings that euer here did raigne,
3Not for his faire outside, nor well lined braine;
5Nor that he could young-wise, wise-valiant frame
8That Ballance weigh'd what sword did late obtaine.
12Nor this, nor that, nor any such small cause,
13But only for this worthy knight durst prooue
Notes
2] Edward named fourth: Edward IV was king of England, 1461-83, except for nearly six months during 1470-71. Back to Line
4] impe: graft
terminal semi-colon added Back to Line
terminal semi-colon added Back to Line
6] his sires reuenge: Edward’s father, Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, died at the Battle of Wakefield on 30 December 1460.
ioyn’d with a kingdomes gaine: Edward was acclaimed to the throne and ascended to it on 4 March 1461. Back to Line
ioyn’d with a kingdomes gaine: Edward was acclaimed to the throne and ascended to it on 4 March 1461. Back to Line
7] mad Mars so tame: make Mars (the Roman god of war) so tame. Edward’s reign is usually thought to have been peaceful. Back to Line
9] floure-deluce: fleur-de-lys, presumably, France Back to Line
10] bloudy lyons pawes: presumably, Scotland Back to Line
11] Lewes to him a tribute paid: Louis XI of France agreed to pay Edward an annual tribute of £10,000. Back to Line
14] to loose his crowne, rather then faile his loue: Rather than allowing a political marriage for himself, Edward secretly married Elizabeth Grey in 1464. This (it is thought) led to political unrest and the return of Henry VI to the throne for a brief period. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1591
RPO poem Editors
Marc R. Plamondon
RPO Edition
2007
Form