Sonnet XXVIII. Oft do I marvel, whether Delia’s eyes

Samuel Daniel (1562–1619)

[First printed in this edition.]

OFT do I marvel, whether D E L I A’s eyes

Are eyes, or else two radiant stars that shine?

For how could Nature ever thus devise

Of earth, on earth, a substance so divine?

Stars, sure, they are! Whose motions rule desires;

And calm and tempest follow their aspects:

Their sweet appearing still such power inspires,

That makes the world admire so strange effects.

Yet whether fixed or wandering stars are they,

Whose influence rules the Orb of my poor heart?

Fixed, sure, they are! But wandering, make me stray

In endless errors; whence I cannot part.

Stars, then, not eyes! Move you, with milder view,

Your sweet aspect on him that honours you!