Astrophil and Stella
Sonnet 35
What may words say, or what may words not say,
Where truth itself must speak like flattery?
Within what bounds can one his liking stay,
Where nature doth with infinite agree?
What Nestor's counsel can my flames allay,
Since reason's self doth blow the coal in me?
And, ah, what hope that hope should once see day,
Where Cupid is sworn page to chastity?
Honour is honoured that thou dost possess
Him as thy slave, and now long-needy fame
Doth even grow rich, meaning my Stella's name.
Wit learns in thee perfection to express:
Not thou by praise, but praise in thee is raised:
It is a praise to praise, when thou art praised.
Sir Philip Sidney
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