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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ASTROPHEL AND STELLA: 42 by PHILIP SIDNEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: O EYES WHICH DO THE SPHERES OF BEAUTY MOVE
Last Line: WRACKS TRIUMPHS BE, WHICH LOVE (HIGH SET) DOTH BREED.
Subject(s): LOVE; STARS;

O eyes, which do the spheres of beauty move,
Whose beams be joys, whose joys all virtues be,
Who, while they make love conquer, conquer love;
The schools where Venus hath learned chastity;
O eyes, where humble looks most glorious prove,
Only loved tyrants, just in cruelty;
Do not, O do not, from poor me remove;
Keep still my zenith, ever shine on me.
For though I never see them, but straight ways
My life forgets to nourish languished sprites;
Yet still on me, O eyes, dart down your rays;
And if from majesty of sacred lights,
Oppressing mortal sense, my death proceed,
Wracks triumphs be, which love (high set) doth breed.



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