SIR PHILIP SIDNEY

Well, in absence this will die :

Leave to see, and leave to wonder.

Absence sure will help, if I

Can learn how myself to sunder

From what in my heart doth lie.

But time will these thoughts remove;

Time doth work what no man knoweth. Time doth as the subject prove :

With time still the affection groweth In the faithful turtle-dove.

What if you new beauties see ?

Will not they stir new affection ? I will think they pictures be

(Image-like, of saints' perfection) Poorly counterfeiting thee.

But your reason's purest light

Bids you leave such minds to nourish.

Dear, do reason no such* spite ! Never doth thy beauty flourish

More than in my reason's sight.

91. "Philomela

THE Nightingale, as soon as April bringeth A Unto her rested sense a perfect waking, While late-bare Earth, proud of new clothing, springeth, Sings out her woes, a thorn her song-book making ; And mournfully bewailing, Her throat in tunes expresseth What grief her breast oppresseth, For Tereus' force on her chaste will prevailing. . leave] cease.

�� �