Astrophel and Stella: 76

Astrophel and Stella: 76

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.
1She comes, and streight therewith her shining twins do moue,
2Their rayes to me, who in her tedious absence lay
3Benighted in cold wo, but now appeares my day,
4The only light of joy, the only warmth of Loue.
5She comes with light and warmth, which like Aurora proue
6Of gentle force, so that mine eyes dare gladly play
7With such a rosie morne, whose beames most freshly gay
8Scortch not, but onely do darke chilling spirites remoue.
9But lo, while I do speake, it groweth noone with me,
10Her flamie glistring lights increase with time and place;
11My heart cries ah, it burnes, mine eyes now dazled be:
12No wind, no shade can coole, what helpe then in my case,
13But with short breath, long lookes, staid feet and walking hed,
14Pray that my sunne go downe with meeker beames to bed.

Notes

1] shining twins: Stella’s eyes Back to Line
5] Aurora: the Roman goddess of the dawn Back to Line
13] walking hed: wandering or itinerant head; a brain filled with myriad thoughts Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1591
RPO poem Editors
Marc R. Plamondon
RPO Edition
2007
Form
sonnet