Astrophel and Stella III
Astrophel and Stella III
Original Text
Sir Philip Sidney, Sir P. S. his Astrophel and Stella ([J. Charlewood] for T. Newman, 1591). STC 22536. Facs. edn.: Menston: Scolar Press, 1970. PR 2342 A7 1591A ROBA.
2That, bravely mask'd, their fancies may be told;
4Enam'ling with pied flowers their thoughts of gold.
5Or else let them in statelier glory shine,
6Ennobling newfound tropes with problems old;
7Or with strange similes enrich each line,
8Of herbs or beasts which Ind or Afric hold.
9For me, in sooth, no Muse but one I know;
10Phrases and problems from my reach do grow,
11And strange things cost too dear for my poor sprites.
12How then? even thus: in Stella's face I read
13What love and beauty be; then all my deed
14But copying is, what in her Nature writes.
Notes
1] sisters nine: the Muses, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, who presided over the various kinds of poetry and other arts. Back to Line
3] Pindar's apes, flaunt they: as imitators of the Greek poet Pindar, let them proudly show off. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1591
RPO poem Editors
F. D. Hoeniger
RPO Edition
3RP 1:118.
Rhyme
Form