The Poetry Corner

Astrophel and Stella - Sonnet LXXXII

By Philip Sidney (Sir)

Nymph of the garden where all beauties be, Beauties which do in excellencie passe His who till death lookt in a watrie glasse, Or hers whom nakd the Troian boy did see; Sweet-gard'n-nymph, which keepes the Cherrie-tree Whose fruit doth farre the Hesperian tast surpasse, Most sweet-faire, most faire-sweete, do not, alas, From comming neare those Cherries banish mee. For though, full of desire, empty of wit, Admitted late by your best-graced grace, I caught at one of them, and hungry bit; Pardon that fault; once more grant me the place; And I do sweare, euen by the same delight, I will but kisse; I neuer more will bite.