Astrophil And Stella Sonnet 79

By Sir Philip Sidney

Sweet kiss, thy sweets I fain would sweetly indite,
Which e’en of sweetness sweetest sweet’ner art:
Pleasing’st consort, where each sense holds a part,
Which, coupling doves, guides Venus’ chariot right;
Best charge, and bravest retreat in Cupid ‘s fight;
A double key, which opens to the heart,
Most rich, when most his riches it impart;
Nest of young joys, schoolmaster of delight,
Teaching the mean, at once to take and give;
The friendly fray, where blows both wound and heal;
The pretty death, while each in other live;
Poor hope’s first wealth, hostage of promised weal,
Breakfast of love: but lo, lo, where she is,
Cease we to praise, now pray we for a kiss.

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