Astrophil and Stella: 75th Sonnet

by Philip Sidney

Of all the Kings that ever heere did raigne,
Edward namde fourth, as first in praise I name:
Not for his faire outside, nor well linde braine,
Although lesse guift, imp feathers oft no fame.
Nor that he could young wise, wise valliant frame
His Syres revenge, joynde with a kingdomes gaine:
And gaind by Mars, could yet mad Mars so tame,
That ballance waide what sword did late obtaine.
Nor that he made the Flower de lys so fraide,
Though strongly hedgd of bloody Lyons pawes:
That wittie Lewes to him a tribuite paide;
Nor this nor that, nor any such small cause,
But onely, for this worthy King durst prove,
To loose his Crowne, rather then fayle his Love.


Monadnock Valley Press > Sidney