The Poetry Corner

Astrophel and Stella - Sonnet XXIX

By Philip Sidney (Sir)

Like some weak lords neighbord by mighty kings, To keep themselues and their chief cities free, Do easily yeeld that all their coasts may be Ready to store their campes of needfull things; So Stellas heart, finding what power Loue brings To keep it selfe in life and liberty, Doth willing graunt that in the frontiers he Vse all to helpe his other conquerings. And thus her heart escapes; but thus her eyes Serue him with shot, her lips his heralds are, Her breasts his tents, legs his triumphall car, Her flesh his food, her skin his armour braue. And I, but for because my prospect lies Vpon that coast, am given vp for slaue.