The Poetry Corner

Astrophel and Stella - Sonnet LIV

By Philip Sidney (Sir)

Because I breathe not loue to euery one, Nor doe not vse sette colours for to weare, Nor nourish speciall locks of vowed haire, Nor giue each speech a full point of a grone, The Courtly Nymphes, acquainted with the mone Of them wich in their lips Loues Standard beare: What, he! (say they of me): now I dare sweare He cannot loue; no,no, let him alone. And thinke so still, so Stella know my minde; Profess in deede I do not Cupids art; But you, fair maides, at length this true shall find, That his right badge is but worne in the hart: Dumbe Swans, not chattering Pyes, do louers proue; They loue indeed who quake to say they loue.