Desire Quote by Philip Sidney
““Stella, the only planet of my light, Light of my life, and life of my desire, Chief good, whereto my hope doth only aspire, World of my wealth, and heav'n of my delight: Why dost thou spend the treasure of thy sprite, With voice more fit to wed Amphion's lyre, Seeking to quench in me the noble fire Fed by thy worth, and kindled by thy sight? And all in vain, for while thy breath most sweet, With choicest words, thy words with reasons rare, Thy reasons firmly set on Virtue's feet, Labor to kill in me this killing care: Oh, think I then, what paradise of joy It is, so fair a Virtue to enjoy.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Astrophel and Stella, Sonnet 1 (1590)
The speaker praises his beloved as the source of all light, virtue, and desire, urging her to share her inner treasure through song.
In simple terms: Beloved is light, virtue, and desire; share your inner treasure.
Key Takeaway
Value and express deep love and admiration.
Themes
love
beauty
devotion
spiritual longing
Mood
romantic
introspective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- romantic courtship
- personal reflection
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
courtly love
poetic metaphor
renunciation of
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the beloved represent beyond a person?
- How does poetic idealization affect real relationships?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing love can overlook practical realities.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
