Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.
Astrophel and StellaLXXXVIII. Out! traitor Absence! Darest thou counsel me
Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)O
From my dear Captainess to run away?
Because, in brave array, here marcheth she
That to win me, oft shows a present pay.
Is faith so weak, or is such force in thee?
When sun is hid, can stars such beams display?
Cannot heaven’s food, once felt, keep stomachs free
From base desire, on earthly cates to prey?
Tush! A
My orphan sense flies to the inward sight;
Where memory sets forth the beams of love.
That where before heart loved and eyes did see;
In heart both sight and love both coupled be.
United powers make each the stronger prove.