The Poetry Corner

Astrophel and Stella - Sonnet XCI

By Philip Sidney (Sir)

Stella, while now, by Honours cruell might, I am from you, light of my life, misled, And whiles, faire you, my sunne, thus ouerspred With Absence vaile, I liue in Sorrowes night; If this darke place yet shewe like candle-light, Some beauties peece, as amber-colour'd hed, Milke hands, rose cheeks, or lips more sweet, more red; Or seeing jets blacke but in blacknesse bright; They please, I do confesse they please mine eyes. But why? because of you they models be; Models, such be wood-globes of glist'ring skies. Deere therefore be not iaelous ouer me, If you heare that they seeme my heart to moue; Not them, O no, but you in them I loue.