Astrophel and Stella: 17

Astrophel and Stella: 17

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.
1His mother deare Cupid offended late,
2Because that Mars growne slacker in her loue,
3With pricking shot he did not througly moue,
4To keepe the pace of their louing state.
5The boy refus'd for feare of Marses hate,
6Who threatned stripes, if he his wrath did proue:
7But she in chase him from her lap did shoue,
8Brake bow, brake shafts, while Cupid weeping sate:
9Till that his grandame Nature pittying it,
10Of Stellas browes made him two better bowes,
11And in her eyes of arrowes infinit.
12O how for joy he leapes, O how he crowes,
13And straight therewith like wags new got to play,
14Fals to shrewd turnes, and I was in his way.

Notes

3] pricking shot: a shot that causes a prick; a shot that goads, annoys, or stimulates Back to Line
6] threatned stripes: threatened him with stripes, i.e., lashes
proue: provoke or test Back to Line
13] wag: a (usually) young and mischievous man Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1591
RPO poem Editors
Marc R. Plamondon
RPO Edition
2007
Form
sonnet