Astrophel and Stella: 42

Astrophel and Stella: 42

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.
2Whose beames be joyes, whose joyes all vertues be,
3Who while they make Loue conquer, conquer Loue,
4The schooles where Venus hath learn'd Chastitie.
5O eyes, where humble lookes most glorious proue,
6Only lou'd Tyrants, just in cruelty,
7Do not, O do not from poore me remoue,
9For though I neuer see them, but straight-wayes
11Yet still on me, O eyes, dart downe your rayes.
12And if from Majestie of sacred lights,
13Oppressing mortall sense, my death proceed,

Notes

1] eyes: Stella’s eyes are here described as shooting forth beams and thus being like a star. Stars were often thought to have influence over the lives of mortals. Back to Line
8] zenith: the highest point in the sky, directly above one Back to Line
10] “language” changed to “languisht” Back to Line
14] terminal period added Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1591
RPO poem Editors
Marc R. Plamondon
RPO Edition
2007
Form