Astrophel and Stella XXXIX

Sidney, Sir Philip (1554 - 1586)

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.

1Come Sleep! O Sleep, the certain knot of peace,

2The baiting-place of wit, the balm of woe,

3The poor man's wealth, the prisoner's release,

4Th' indifferent judge between the high and low.

5With shield of proof shield me from out the prease

6Of those fierce darts despair at me doth throw:

7O make in me those civil wars to cease;

8I will good tribute pay, if thou do so.

9Take thou of me smooth pillows, sweetest bed,

10A chamber deaf to noise and blind to light,

11A rosy garland and a weary head:

12And if these things, as being thine by right,

13Move not thy heavy grace, thou shalt in me,

14Livelier than elsewhere, Stella's image see.

Notes

4] indifferent: impartial. Back to Line

5] prease: throng, press. Back to Line

13] Move not thy heavy grace: impel not thy drowsy favour. Back to Line

Publication Start Year

1591

RPO poem Editors

F. D. Hoeniger

RPO Edition

3RP 1:121.

Rhyme

ababababcdcdee

Form

sonnet