XXVIII.
You that with allegory's curious frame,
Of others' children, changelings use to make:
With me, those pains for GOD's sake do not take.
I list not dig so deep for brazen fame.
When I say STELLA! I do mean the same
Princess of Beauty; for whose only sake
The reins of love I love, though never slack:
And joy therein, though nations count it shame.
I beg no subject to use eloquence,
Nor in hid ways do guide philosophy:
Look at my hands for no such quintessence!
But know! that I, in pure simplicity,
Breathe out the flames which burn within my heart,
Love only reading unto me this art.
XXIX.
Like some weak lords—neighboured by mighty kings—
To keep themselves and their chief cities free;
Do easily yield that all their coasts may be
Ready to store their camp of needful things:
So STELLA'S heart, finding what power LOVE brings,
To keep itself in life and liberty;
Doth willing grant that in the frontiers he
Use all to help his other conquerings:
And thus her heart escapes, but thus her eyes
Serve him with shot; her lips, his heralds are;
Her breasts, his tents; legs, his triumphal car;
Her flesh, his food; her skin, his armour brave.
And I, but for because my prospect lies
Upon that coast, am given up for slave.
