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ASTROPHEL AND STELLA: 53 by PHILIP SIDNEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN MARTIAL SPORTS I HAD MY CUNNING TRIED
Last Line: TILL THAT HER BLUSH TAUGHT ME MY SHAME TO SEE.
Subject(s): LOVE; STARS;

In martial sports I had my cunning tried,
And yet to break more staves did me address,
While with the people's shouts, I must confess,
Youth, luck and praise even filled my veins with pride;
When Cupid, having me, his slave, descried
In Mars's livery, prancing in the press:
'What now, sir fool,' said he; 'I would no less,
Look here, I say.' I looked, and Stella spied,
Who hard by made a window send forth light.
My heart then quaked, then dazzled were mine eyes,
One hand forgot to rule, th'other to fight;
Nor trumpet's sound I heard, nor friendly cries;
My foe came on, and beat the air for me,
Till that her blush taught me my shame to see.



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