Poem A Day

Classic poem

Sonnet XXXI: With How Sad Steps, O Moon

by 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 heav'nly 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 languish'd grace

To me, that feel the like, thy state descries.

Then, ev'n of fellowship, O Moon, tell me,

Is constant love deem'd there but want of wit?

Are beauties there as proud as here they be?

Do they above love to be lov'd, and yet

Those lovers scorn whom that love doth possess?

Do they call virtue there ungratefulness?

naturelovebeautysolitudegriefseanight
Public domain/Source

About this poem

First line
With how sad steps, O Moon, thou climb'st the skies!
Poet
Sir Philip Sidney
Themes
nature, love, beauty, solitude

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