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- <poem>
"Our ASTROPHIL did STELLA love. O STELLA! vaunt of ASTROPHIL! Albeit thy graces gods may move; Where wilt thou find an ASTROPHIL?
The rose and lily have their prime; And so hath beauty but a time,"
"Although thy beauty do exceed In common sight of every eye; Yet in his poesies when we read, It is apparent more thereby.
He that hath love and judgment too, Sees more than any others do."
"Then ASTROPHIL hath honoured thee. For when thy body is extinct, Thy graces shall eternal be. And live by virtue of his ink.
For by his verses he doth give To shortlived beauty aye to live."
"Above all others this is he, Which erst approvèd in his song That love and honour might agree, And that pure love will do no wrong.
Sweet saints! it is no sin nor blame To love a man of virtuous name."
- <poem>
