XXVIII. You that with allegory’s curious frame

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

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 slack:

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.