XXIX. Like some weak lords—neighboured by mighty kings

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

LIKE some weak lords—neighboured by mighty kings—

To keep themselves and their chief cities free;

Do easily yield that all their coasts may be

Ready to store their camp of needful things:

So STELLA’s heart, finding what power LOVE brings,

To keep itself in life and liberty;

Doth willing grant that in the frontiers he

Use all to help his other conquerings:

And thus her heart escapes, but thus her eyes

Serve him with shot; her lips, his heralds are;

Her breasts, his tents; legs, his triumphal car;

Her flesh, his food; her skin, his armour brave.

And I, but for because my prospect lies

Upon that coast, am given up for slave.