Astrophil and Stella

Sonnet 16

In nature, apt to like, when I did see 
   Beauties which were of many carats fine, 
   My boiling sprites did thither then 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 soul judging what love's pain might be. 
   But while I thus with this young lion played, 
Mine eyes (shall I say cursed or blessed?) beheld 
Stella: now she is named, need more be said? 
In her sight I a lesson new have spelled. 
   I now have learned love right, and learned even so 
   As they that being poisoned poison know.  
Sir Philip Sidney

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