Astrophel and Stella: 83

Astrophel and Stella: 83

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.
1Good brother Philip, I haue borne you long,
2I was content you should in fauour creepe,
3While craftily you seem'd your cut to keepe,
4As though that faire soft hand did you great wrong.
5I bare (with Enuie) yet I bare your song,
6When in her neck you did Loue ditties peepe;
7Nay, more foole I, oft suffered you to sleep
8In Lillies neast, where Loues selfe lies along.
9What, doth high place ambitious thoughts augment?
10Is sawcinesse reward of curtesie?
11Cannot such grace your silly selfe content,
12But you must needs with those lips billing be?
13And through those lips drink Nectar from that tong,
14Leaue that sir Phip, least off your neck be wrong.

Notes

1] Good brother Philip: Astrophel addresses Stella’s pet sparrow, named Philip Back to Line
3] your cut to keepe: maintained your dignity Back to Line
8] Lillies neast: presumably, Stella’s breasts Back to Line
12] billing: caressing, with the implication that both the sparrow and Stella are caressing each other Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1591
RPO poem Editors
Marc R. Plamondon
RPO Edition
2007
Form
sonnet