Astrophil and Stella
Sonnet 79
Sweet kiss, thy sweets I fain would sweetly endite,
Which, even of sweetness sweetest sweetener art;
Pleasingst 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 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 hopes 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.
Sir Philip Sidney
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