Sonnet XXVIII: You That With Allegory's Curious Frame

by Sir Philip Sidney

Philip Sidney

You that with allegory's curious frame,
Of others' children changelings use to make,
With me those pains for God's sake do not take:
I list not dig so deep for brazen fame.

When I say "Stella," I do mean the same
Princess of Beauty, for whose only sake
The reins of Love I love, though never slake,
And joy therein, though nations count it shame.

I beg no subject to use eloquence,
Nor in hid ways do guide Philosophy:
Look at my hands for no such quintessence;

But know that I in pure simplicity
Breathe out the flames which burn within my heart
Love only reading unto me this art.





Last updated May 02, 2015