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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ASTROPHEL AND STELLA: 40 by PHILIP SIDNEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: AS GOOD TO WRITE, AS FOR TO LIE AND GROAN!
Last Line: O, DO NOT LET THY TEMPLE BE DESTROYED.
Subject(s): LOVE; STARS;

As good to write, as for to lie and groan.
O Stella dear, how much thy power hath wrought,
That 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 wrecks avoid.
Since then thou hast so far subdued me,
That in my heart I offer still to thee,
O, do not let thy temple be destroyed.



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