Astrophel and Stella: 70
Astrophel and Stella: 70
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.
1My Muse may well grudge at my heau'nly joy,
2If still I force her in sad rimes to creepe:
3She oft hath drunke my teares, now hopes to enjoy
5Sonnets be not bound prentise to annoy:
8Hath cheekes to smile, as well as eyes to weepe,
9Come then my Muse, shew thou height of delight
10In well rais'd notes, my pen the best it may
11Shall paint out joy, though but in black and white.
12Cease eager Muse, peace pen, for my sake stay,
13I giue you here my hand for truth of this,
14Wise silence is best musick vnto blisse.
Notes
4] I Ioues cup do keepe: The keeper of Jove’s cup is traditionally Ganymede. See sonnet 13 and note. Back to Line
6] trebles, bases: Treble is the highest register in vocal music; bass is the lowest. The mention of trebles here is possibly meant to suggest boys’ voices, rather than women’s. Back to Line
7] the Boy: The boy here is Cupid, usually referred to in the sonnets as Love. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1591
RPO poem Editors
Marc R. Plamondon
RPO Edition
2007
Form