The Poetry Corner

Astrophel and Stella - Sonnet XCIII

By Philip Sidney (Sir)

O fate, O fault, O curse, child of my blisse! What sobs can giue words grace my griefe to show? What inke is blacke inough to paint my woe? Through me (wretch me) euen Stella vexed is. Yet, Trueth, if Caitives breath may call thee, this Witnesse with me, that my foule stumbling so, From carelessenesse did in no maner grow; But wit, confus'd with too much care, did misse. And do I, then, my selfe this vaine scuse giue? I haue (liue I, and know this) harmed thee; Tho' worlds 'quite me, shall I my selfe forgiue? Only with paines my paines thus eased be, That all thy hurts in my harts wracke I reede; I cry thy sighs, my deere, thy teares I bleede.