Sir Philip Sidney. "As good to write as for to lie and groan." Sonnet 40 from "Astrophil and Stella."

Sir Philip Sidney

Astrophel and Stella

Sonnet XL

As good to write as for to lie and groan,
    O Stella dear, how much thy power hath wrought,
    That hast my mind, none of the basest, brought
    My still-kept course, while others sleep, to moan;
Alas, if from the height of virtue's throne
    Thou canst vouchsafe the influence of a thought
    Upon a wretch that long thy grace hath sought,
    Weigh then how I by thee am overthrown;
And then think thus—although thy beauty be
    Made manifest by such a victory,
    Yet noblest conquerors do wrecks avoid.
Since then thou hast so far subduëd me,
    That in my heart I offer still to thee,
    Oh, do not let thy temple be destroyed.

Source:
Poetry of the English Renaissance 1509-1660.
J. William Hebel and Hoyt H. Hudson, Eds.
New York: F. S. Crofts & Co., 1941. 112-113.

to Works of Sir Philip Sidney