Seventh Song: Whose senses in so evil consort their stepdame Nature lays

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

WHOSE senses in so evil consort their stepdame Nature lays,

That ravishing delight in them most sweet tunes doth not raise:

Or if they do delight therein, yet are so closed with wit;

As with sententious lips to set a title vain on it.

O let them hear these sacred tunes, and learn in WONDER’s schools

To be (in things past bounds of wit) fools, if they be not fools.

Who have so leaden eyes, as not to see sweet BEAUTY’s show;

Or seeing, have so wooden wits as not that worth to know;

Or knowing, have so muddy minds as not to be in love;

Or loving, have so frothy thoughts as easy thence to move:

O let them see these heavenly beams! and in fair letters read

A lesson fit, both sight and skill, love and firm love to breed.

Hear then! but then with wonder hear; see! but adoring see

No mortal gifts, no earthly fruits, now here discerned be.

See! do you see this face? A face! nay image of the skies;

Of which the two life-giving lights are figured in her eyes.

Hear you this soul-invading voice! and count it but a voice?

The very essence of their tunes when Angels do rejoice.