LXXII. Desire! though thou my old companion art

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

DESIRE! though thou my old companion art,

And oft so clings to my pure love, that I

One from the other scarcely can descry;

While each doth blow the fire of my heart:

Now from thy fellowship, I needs must part.

VENUS is taught with DIAN’s wings to fly.

I must no more in thy sweet passions lie.

VIRTUE’s gold now, must head my CUPID’s dart.

Service and Honour, Wonder with Delight,

Fear to offend, Will worthy to appear,

Care shining in mine eyes, Faith in my sprite:

These things are left me by my only Dear.

But thou, DESIRE! because thou wouldst have all;

Now banisht art: but yet, alas, how shall?