Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.
Astrophel and StellaXL. As good to write, as for to lie and groan
Sir Philip Sidney (15541586)A
O S
Thou hast my mind, none of the basest, brought
My still-kept course, while others sleep, to moan.
Alas, if from the height of Virtue’s throne,
Thou canst vouchsafe the influence of a thought
Upon a wretch, that long thy grace hath sought;
Weigh then, how I, by thee, am overthrown!
And then, think thus, “Although thy beauty be
Made manifest by such a victory;
Yet noblest conquerors do wracks avoid.”
Since then thou hast so far subduèd me
That in my heart I offer still to thee.
O do not let thy temple be destroyed!