Astrophil and Stella
Sonnet 75
Of all the kings that ever here did reign,
Edward, named fourth, as first in praise I name:
Not for his fair outside, nor well-lined brain,
Although less gifts imp feathers oft on fame.
Nor that he could, young-wise, wise-valiant, frame
His sire's revenge, joined with a kingdom's gain;
And gained by Mars, could yet mad Mars so tame,
That balance weighed, what sword did late obtain.
Nor that he made the flower-de-luce so 'fraid,
(Though strongly hedged) of bloody lion's paws,
That witty Lewis to him a tribute paid:
Nor this, nor that, nor any such small cause;
But only for this worthy knight durst prove
To lose his crown, rather than fail his love.
Sir Philip Sidney
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