XVI. In nature apt to like, when I did see

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

IN nature apt to like, when I did see

Beauties which were of many carats fine;

My boiling sprites did thither soon incline,

And, LOVE! I thought that I was full of thee.

But finding not those restless flames in me,

Which others said did make their souls to pine:

I thought those bahes, of some pin’s hurt did whine;

By my soul judging what love’s pains might be.

But while I thus with this lion played,

Mine eyes (shall I say curst or blest?) beheld

STELLA. Now she is named, need more be said?

In her sight, I a lesson new have spelled.

I now have learned love right; and learned even so,

As who by being poisoned doth poison know.