The Poetry Corner

Astrophel and Stella - Sonnet XLIII

By Philip Sidney (Sir)

Faire eyes, sweet lips, dear heart, that foolish I Could hope, by Cupids help, on you to pray, Since to himselfe he doth your gifts apply, As his maine force, choise sport, and easefull stay! For when he will see who dare him gain-say, Then with those eyes he looeks: lo, by and by Each soule doth at Loues feet his weapons lay, Glad if for her he giue them leaue to die. When he will play, then in her lips he is, Where, blushing red, that Loues selfe them doe loue, With either lip he doth the other kisse; But when he will, for quiets sake, remoue From all the world, her heart is then his rome, Where well he knowes no man to him can come.