XXII. In highest way of heaven, the sun did ride

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

IN highest way of heaven, the sun did ride,

Progressing then from fair Twins’ golden place;

Having no scarf of clouds before his face,

But shining forth of heat in his chief pride:

When some fair ladies, by hard promise tied,

On horseback met him in his furious race;

Yet each prepared with fan’s well-shading grace,

From that foe’s wounds, their tender skins to hide.

STELLA alone, with face unarmèd, marched;

Either to do like him which open shone,

Or careless of the wealth because her own:

Yet were the hid and meaner beauties parched;

Her daintiest bare, went free. The cause was this.

The sun which others burnt, did her but kiss.