Fulke Greville: Caelica Sonnet 3

from

Cælica

by Fulke Greville

SONNET III

More than most fair, full of that heavenly fire,
Kindled above to show the Maker's glory* ;
Beauty's first-born, in whom all powers conspire
To write the Graces' life, and Muses' story :
If in my heart all saints else be defaced,
Honour the shrine, where you alone are placed.

Thou window of the sky, and pride of spirits,
True character of Honour in perfection ;
Thou heavenly creature, judge of earthly merits,
And glorious prison of man's pure affection ;
If in my heart all nymphs else be defaced,
Honour the shrine, where you alone are placed.

* Fetched from one of Spenser's sonnets :
' More than most fair, full of the living fire
Kindled above, unto the Maker near. '—G.

Source:
Grosart, Alexander B., Ed. The Friend of Sir Philip Sidney.
London: Elliot Stock, 1894. 46-47.

to the Works of Fulke Greville, Lord Brooke