The Poetry Corner

Astrophel and Stella - Sonnet CVI

By Philip Sidney (Sir)

O absent presence! Stella is not here; False-flatt'ring hope, that with so faire a face Bare me in hand, that in this orphane place, Stella, I say my Stella, should appeare: What saist thou now? where is that dainty cheere Thou toldst mine eyes should helpe their famisht case? But thou art gone, now that selfe-felt disgrace Doth make me most to wish thy comfort neer. But heere I do store of faire ladies meet, Who may with charme of conuersation sweete, Make in my heauy mould new thoughts to grow. Sure they preuaile as much with me, as he That bad his friend, but then new maim'd to be Mery with him, and so forget his woe.