The dreams Sydney has revolve around his inamorata, and he had to let go of these, for she had chosen another. Sydney knew this, and the entire cycle is a confession: that he has lost. But he has to purge his soul of this love before he can with a clear conscience wed. Which he did.
XXXVIII This night, while sleepe begins with heauy wings To hatch mine eyes, and that vnbitted thought Doth fall to stray, and my chief powres are brought To leaue the scepter of all subiect things; The first that straight my fancys errour brings Vnto my mind is Stellas image, wrought By Loues own selfe, but with so curious drought That she, methinks, not onley shines but sings. I start, look, hearke: but in what closde-vp sence Was held, in opend sense it flies away, Leauing me nought but wayling eloquence. I, seeing better sights in sights decay, Cald it anew, and wooed Sleepe again; But him, her host, that vnkind guest had slain. --Sir Philip Sydney
XXXVIII
This night, while sleepe begins with heauy wings To hatch mine eyes, and that vnbitted thought Doth fall to stray, and my chief powres are brought To leaue the scepter of all subiect things;
The first that straight my fancys errour brings Vnto my mind is Stellas image, wrought By Loues own selfe, but with so curious drought That she, methinks, not onley shines but sings.
I start, look, hearke: but in what closde-vp sence Was held, in opend sense it flies away, Leauing me nought but wayling eloquence. I, seeing better sights in sights decay,
Cald it anew, and wooed Sleepe again; But him, her host, that vnkind guest had slain.
--Sir Philip Sydney
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