Astrophel and Stella: Sonnet XXXI

~ Sir Philip Sidney



With how sad steps, O Moon, thou climb’st the skies !

How silently, and with how wan a face !
What, may it be that even in heavenly place
That busy archer his sharp arrows tries?
Sure, if that long with love-acquainted eyes
Can judge of love, thou feel’st a lover’s case;
I read it in thy looks; thy languisht grace
To me that feel the like, thy state descries.
Then, even of fellowship, O Moon, tell me,
Is constant love deemed there but want of wit?
Are beauties there as proud as here they be?
Do they above love to be loved, and yet
        Those lovers scorn whom that love doth possess?
        Do they call virtue there, ungratefulness?

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

The picture was taken by my daddy at midnight on December 5, 1953, when he was 17 years old, using a telescope that he and his cousin made themselves. Cool, huh?