Astrophel and Stella: 4

Astrophel and Stella: 4

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.
1Vertue alas, now let me take some rest,
2Thou setst a bate betweene my will and wit,
3If vaine loue haue my simple soule opprest:
4Leaue what thou likest not, deale not thou with it.
5Thy scepter vse in some old Catoes brest;
6Churches or schooles are for thy seate more fit:
7I do confesse, pardon a fault confest:
8My mouth too tender is for thy hard bit.
9But if that needes thou wilt vsurping be,
10The little reason that is left in me,
11And still th'effect of thy perswasions proue:
12I sweare, my heart such one shall shew to thee,
13That shrines in flesh so true a Deitie,
14That Vertue, thou thy selfe shalt be in loue.

Notes

2] a bate: a quarrel Back to Line
5] Catoes brest: probably Marcus Porcius Cato (the Elder or the Censor), Roman consul Back to Line
8] hard bit: a bit is a mouthpiece for a horse’s bridle Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1591
RPO poem Editors
Marc R. Plamondon
RPO Edition
2007
Form
sonnet