Astrophel and Stella XXIII
Astrophel and Stella XXIII
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.
1The curious wits, seeing dull pensiveness
2Bewray itself in my long-settl'd eyes,
3Whence those same fumes of melancholy rise,
4With idle pains and missing aim do guess.
5Some, that know how my spring I did address,
6Deem that my Muse some fruit of knowledge plies;
7Others, because the prince my service tries,
8Think that I think state errors to redress;
9But harder judges judge ambition's rage--
10Scourge of itself, still climbing slipp'ry place--
11Holds my young brain captiv'd in golden cage.
12O fool or over-wise! alas, the race
13Of all my thoughts hath neither stop nor start
14But only Stella's eyes and Stella's heart.
Publication Start Year
1591
RPO poem Editors
F. D. Hoeniger
RPO Edition
3RP 1:120.
Rhyme
Form