The Poetry Corner

Astrophel and Stella - Sonnet LXXIX

By Philip Sidney (Sir)

Sweet kisse, thy sweets I faine would sweetly endite, Which, euen of sweetnesse sweetest sweetner art; Pleasingst consort, where each sence holds a part; Which, coupling Doues, guides Venus chariot right. Best charge, and brauest retrait in Cupids fight; A double key, which opens to the heart, Most rich when most riches it impart; Nest of young ioyes, Schoolemaster of delight, Teaching the meane at once to take and giue; The friendly fray, where blowes both wound and heale, The prettie death, while each in other liue. Poore hopes first wealth, ostage of promist weale; Breakfast of loue. But lo, lo, where she is, Cease we to praise; now pray we for a kisse.