IX. Queen Virtue’s Court—which some call Stella’s face

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

QUEEN VIRTUE’s Court—which some call STELLA’s face—

Prepared by Nature’s choicest furniture;

Hath his front built of alabaster pure.

Gold is the covering of that stately place.

The door, by which sometimes comes forth her Grace,

Red porphyry is, which lock of pearl makes sure:

Whose porches rich (which name of cheeks endure)

Marble mixt red and white do interlace.

The windows now—through which this heavenly guest

Looks o’er the world, and can find nothing such

Which dare claim from those lights the name of best—

Of touch they are, that without touch do touch;

Which CUPID’s self, from Beauty’s mind did draw:

Of touch they are, and poor I am their straw.