XLV. Stella oft sees the very face of woe

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

STELLA oft sees the very face of woe

Painted in my beclouded stormy face;

But cannot skill to pity my disgrace,

Not, though thereof the cause herself she know:

Yet hearing late a fable which did show

Of lovers never known, a piteous case;

Pity thereof gat in her breast such place

That from that sea derived, tears’ spring did flow.

Alas, if Fancy drawn by imaged things,

Though false, yet with free scope more grace doth breed

Than servant’s wrack, where new doubts honour brings;

Then think, my Dear! that you in me do read

Of lovers’ ruin, some sad tragedy.

I am not I, pity the tale of me!