XII. Cupid! because thou shin’st in Stella’s eyes

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

CUPID! because thou shin’st in STELLA’s eyes;

That from her locks, thy dances none ’scapes free;

That those lips swelled, so full of thee they be,

That her sweet breath makes oft thy flames to rise;

That in her breast, thy pap well sugared lies;

That her grace, gracious makes thy wrongs; that she

What words so e’er she speak, persuades for thee:

That her clear voice lifts thy fame to the skies:

Thou countest STELLA thine, like those whose powers

Having got up a breach by fighting well,

Cry, “Victory! this fair day all is ours!”

O no! Her heart is such a citadel,

So fortified with wit, stored with disdain;

That to win it, is all the skill and pain.