Sir Philip Sidney. "With what sharp checks I in myself am shent."

Astrophil and Stella: XVIII
by Sir Philip Sidney

With what sharp checks I in myself am shent,
When into Reason's audit I do go:
And by just counts myself a bankrout know
Of all those goods, which heav'n to me hath lent:
Unable quite to pay even Nature's rent,
Which unto it by birthright I do owe:
And which is worse, no good excuse can show,
But that my wealth I have most idly spent.
My youth doth waste, my knowledge brings forth toys,
My wit doth strive those passions to defend,
Which for reward spoil it with vain annoys.
I see my course to lose myself doth bend:
I see and yet no greater sorrow take,
Than that I lose no more for Stella's sake.

Source:
Sidney, Sir Philip. Selected Writings.
Richard Dutton, ed.
New York: Routledge, 2002. 37.

to Works of Sir Philip Sidney