LII. A strife is grown between Virtue and Love

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

A STRIFE is grown between VIRTUE and LOVE;

While each pretends that STELLA must be his.

“Her eyes, her lips, her all,” saith LOVE “do this,”

Since they do wear his badge, “most firmly prove.”

But VIRTUE thus that title doth disprove.

“That STELLA,” O dear name! “that STELLA is

That virtuous soul, sure heir of heavenly bliss:

Not this fair outside which our hearts doth move.

And therefore though her beauty and her grace

Be LOVE’s indeed: in STELLA’s self he may

By no pretence claim any manner place.”

Well, LOVE! since this demurrer our suit doth stay,

Let VIRTUE have that STELLA’s self; yet thus

That VIRTUE but that body grant to us.