Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ASTROPHEL AND STELLA: 75 by PHILIP SIDNEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: OF ALL THE KINGS THAT EVER HERE DID REIGN
Last Line: TO LOSE HIS CROWN, RATHER THAN FAIL HIS LOVE.
Subject(s): LOVE; STARS;

Of all the kings that ever here did reign,
Edward, named fourth, as first in praise I name;
Not for his fair outside, nor well lined brain,
Although less gifts imp feathers oft on fame;
Nor that he could, young-wise, wise-valiant, frame
His sire's revenge, joined with a kingdom's gain;
And gained by Mars, could yet mad Mars so tame,
That balance weighed what sword did late obtain;
Nor that he made the flower-de-luce so 'fraid,
Though strongly hedged of bloody lion's paws,
That witty Lewis to him a tribute paid;
Nor this, nor that, nor any such small cause;
But only for this worthy knight durst prove
To lose his crown, rather than fail his love.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net