Astrophil and Stella
Sonnet 40
As good to write, as for to lie and groan.
O Stella dear, how much thy power hath wrought,
That hast my mind (now 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 noble 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 destroyd!
Sir Philip Sidney
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