The Poetry Corner

Astrophel and Stella - Sonnet LV

By Philip Sidney (Sir)

Muses, I oft inuoked your holy ayde, With choisest flowers my speech t' engarland so, That it, despisde, in true but naked shew Might winne some grace in your sweet grace arraid; And oft whole troupes of saddest words I staid, Striuing abroad a-foraging to go, Vntill by your inspiring I might know How their blacke banner might be best displaid. But now I meane no more your helpe to try, Nor other sugring of my speech to proue, But on her name incessantly to cry; For let me but name her whom I doe loue, So sweet sounds straight mine eare and heart do hit, That I well finde no eloquence like it.