The Poetry Corner

Astrophel and Stella - Sonnet LIII

By Philip Sidney (Sir)

In martiall sports I had my cunning tride, And yet to breake more staues did mee addresse, While, with the peoples shouts, I must confesse, Youth, lucke, and praise euen fil'd my veines with pride; When Cupid, hauing me, his slaue, descride In Marses livery prauncing in the presse, What now, Sir Foole! said he, (I would no lesse:) Looke here, I say! I look'd, and Stella spide, Who, hard by, made a window send forth light. My heart then quak'd, then dazled were mine eyes, One hand forgat to rule, th'other to fight, Nor trumpets sound I heard, nor friendly cries: My foe came on, and beate the air for me, Till that her blush taught me my shame to see.