With How Sad Steps, O Moon, Thou Climb’st the Skies
Sir Philip Sidney

With how sad steps, O Moon, thou climb'st the skies!
How silently, and with how wan[1] a face!
What, may it be that even in heav'nly place
That busy archer[2] 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.[3]
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?

[1] Wan: pale complexion, possibly ill or exhausted

[2] Archer: Cupid – the Roman god of love

[3] Descries: Reveals