• From “Astrophel and Stella”
    LOVING in truth, and fain in verse my love to show,
    That she, dear she, might take some pleasure of my pain,—
    Pleasure might cause her read, reading might make her know,
    Knowledge might pity win, and pity grace obtain,—
    I sought fit words to paint the blackest face of woe;
    Studying inventions fine, her wits to entertain...

  • From “Astrophel and Stella”
    WITH how sad steps, O Moon! thou climb’st the skies,
    How silently, and with how wan a face!
    What may it be, that even in heavenly place
    That busy Archer his sharp arrows tries?
    Sure, if that long-with-love-acquainted eyes
    Can judge of love, thou feel’st a lover’s case;
    I read it in thy looks; thy languished...