Astrophel and Stella XXXIII
Astrophel and Stella XXXIII
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.
2And then would not, or could not, see my bliss;
3Till now wrapt in a most infernal night,
4I find how heav'nly day, wretch! I did miss.
5Heart, rend thyself, thou dost thyself but right;
6No lovely Paris made thy Helen his,
7No force, no fraud robb'd thee of thy delight,
8Nor Fortune of thy fortune author is;
9But to myself myself did give the blow,
10While too much wit, forsooth, so troubled me
12And yet could not by rising morn foresee
13How fair a day was near: O punish'd eyes,
14That I had been more foolish,--or more wise!
Notes
1] This sonnet may well express Sidney's self-reproaches for not carrying out his proposed marriage with Penelope Devereux, and for not realizing the depth of his love for her until it was too late. Back to Line
11] respects: hesitancies, consideration. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1591
RPO poem Editors
F. D. Hoeniger
RPO Edition
3RP 1:120.
Rhyme
Form