Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
II. Loves NatureLoves Silence
Sir Philip Sidney (15541586)B
Nor do not use set colors for to weare,
Nor nourish special locks of vowèd haire,
Nor give each speech a full point of a groane,—
The courtlie nymphs, acquainted with the moane
Of them who on their lips Love’s standard beare,
“What! he?” say they of me. “Now I dare sweare
He cannot love: No, no! let him alone.”
And think so still,—if Stella know my minde.
Profess, indeed, I do not Cupid’s art;
But you, faire maids, at length this true shall finde,—
That his right badge is but worne in the hearte.
Dumb swans, not chattering pies, do lovers prove:
They love indeed who quake to say they love.