Astrophil and Stella
Sonnet 51
Pardon mine ears, both I and they do pray,
So may your tongue still flauntingly proceed
To them that do such entertainment need,
So may you still have somewhat new to say.
On silly me do not the burden lay
Of all the grave conceits your brain doth breed,
But find some Hercules to bear, in steed
Of Atlas tired, your wisdom's heavenly sway.
For me, while you discourse of courtly tides,
Of cunningest fishers in most troubled streams,
Of straying ways, when valiant error guides,
Meanwhile my heart confers with Stella's beams,
And is even woe that so sweet comedy
By such unsuited speech should hindered be.
Sir Philip Sidney
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