Astrophil and Stella

"Astrophil and Stella" is a poetic sequence by Sir Philip Sidney from the late 16th century, exploring themes of love, desire, and longing through the relationship between a fictional lover (Astrophil) and his beloved (Stella). The poem uses star imagery to symbolize idealized love and the human pursuit of beauty and virtue. Sidney's work blends personal emotion with philosophical reflection, highlighting the complexities of unfulfilled love and the struggle to express deep feelings. It is considered a foundational work of English lyric poetry, illustrating the introspective and emotional depth of Renaissance literature.