The Poetry Corner

Astrophel and Stella - Sonnet LXXX

By Philip Sidney (Sir)

Sweet-swelling lip, well maist thou swell in pride, Since best wits thinke it wit thee to admire; Natures praise, Vertues stall; Cupids cold fire, Whence words, not words but heau'nly graces slide; The new Parnassus, where the Muses bide; Sweetner of Musicke, Wisedomes beautifier, Breather of life, and fastner of desire, Where Beauties blush in Honors graine is dide. Thus much my heart compeld my mouth to say; But now, spite of my heart, my mouth will stay, Loathing all lies, doubting this flatterie is: And no spurre can his resty race renewe, Without, how farre this praise is short of you, Sweet Lipp, you teach my mouth with one sweet kisse.