Sonnet XVI: In Nature Apt

Portrait of Sir Philip Sidney
Sir Philip Sidney 1554–1586

In nature apt to like when I did see Beauties, which were of many carats fine, My boiling sprites did thither soon incline, And, Love, I thought that I was full of thee:

But finding not those restless flames in me, Which others said did make their souls to pine, I thought those babes of some pin's hurt did whine, By my love judging what love's pain might be.

But while I thus with this young lion played, Mine eyes (shall I say curst or blest?) beheld Stella; now she is nam'd, need more be said?

In her sight I a lesson new have spell'd, I now hav learn'd Love right, and learn'd even so, As who by being poisoned doth poison know.

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